All physical activities related to the celebration of this year’s Manggahan Festival have been cancelled due the increasing number of COVID-19 cases in Guimaras province.
The cancellation was ordered by Governor Samuel Gumarin. His executive order took effect on Monday, May 17.
“The rising number of COVID-19 cases in Guimaras and in our neighboring provinces is alarming. We cannot take for granted the safety of the Guimarasnons and the tourists that will visit the province during the celebration of Manggahan Festival,” said Gumarin.
“Kun padayunon gid naton ang iban nga mga aktibidad sa aton selebrasyon, basi mangin rason pa ini nga maglapta pa gid ang virus kag magdamo ang cases naton sa probinsiya kag sa Western Visayas. We can still celebrate Manggahan Festival through our virtual events,” the governor further said.
Canceled activities include the agri-trade fair, Manggahan Ride (bikes and motorcycles), Manggahan by the Beach, and the Manggahan Sports Fest.
OIC Provincial Tourism Officer Liberty Ferrer said only pre-taped activities will be retained and they will be streamed through Facebook and other digital platforms.
The 2021 edition of festival is called “”eManggahan” with the tagline “Engage, Enjoy, Experience”.
The highlight of the celebration is the 29th Provincehood Anniversary of Guimaras on May 22 where Governor Gumarin will deliver his virtual State of the Province Address (SOPA).
Last Sunday, May 16, the Provincial Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit recorded 24 new confirmed cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
The additional infections jacked up the province’s total case count to 466, of which 409 have recovered, eight have died and 49 are considered active.IMT
