By Marie Tonette Marticio
TACLOBAN CITY – What used to be a time for a festive mood has turned into a more somber yet intimate gathering for families in the sleepy town of La Paz, Leyte as they celebrate the feast day of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish on April 27 and 28 amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Mayor Angel Sia has ordered the suspension of all fiesta-related socio-cultural activities, while enjoining the people to celebrate without accepting visitors at home.
He also asked the people to understand the local government unit's decision to cancel the customary activities during the fiesta because, for now, they were focusing on securing the health and wellbeing of the people amid the world health crisis.
With this, several families have settled with giving raw meat to families and friends who would not be allowed to visit them during the celebration.
A family living in the Poblacion has slaughtered a cow that they have already offered or "Sinaaran" for the fiesta as part of their tradition.
Instead of the traditional lechon (roasted pig), some families have cooked “humba” which could be easier to distribute among relatives and friends.
The municipality, which remains under general community quarantine, has implemented a "no-entry" policy for out-of-town individuals who do not have a home quarantine pass for the duration of the fiesta celebration, except for mere passersby who would be subjected to border point protocols.
"We won't be having ‘Happy Fiesta’ but ‘Fiesta or Family Day’ for now. However, this does not prohibit the people from preparing food or celebrating but only for their family," the mayor explained.
Local police and emergency response teams would be on round-the-clock duty to man control points. The one-quarantine pass per household will likewise be implemented, while people who would be permitted to go out should wear face masks.
Tricycles and motorcabs for hire will not be allowed to operate, while private motorcycles will be limited to only the driver.
A liquor ban will also be implemented from April 26 to 29, which prohibits selling, buying, transporting, and bartering of alcoholic drinks.