Surging COVID cases have prompted the local COVID Interagency Task Force to modify the conduct of religious festivities for Zamboanga city’s Fiesta Pilar scheduled for Tuesday, October 12.
Six masses scheduled on October 12, the Feast of Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar, have been cancelled with the 5pm Pontifical Mass to be streamed live, based on an advisory by the local Interagency Task Force.
The traditional procession scheduled on October 12 was also cancelled but was supposed to be replaced by a pilgrimage in the different medical facilities Monday, October 11.
The Fort Pilar Shrine will be closed from 4pm to 6:30pm on October 12.
The local government, however, lifted the curfew on October 11 and 12 to allow devotees to visit the Shrine of Our Lady of the Pillar.
Only thirty persons will be accommodated inside the shrine at one time.
Active COVID cases in the city total 2,518 as of October 10 after 190 cases were recorded in one day.
Zamboanga City celebrates the Feast of Our Lady of the Pillar or Nuestra Señora La Virgen del Pilar on October 12.
October 12 is a Special non-working holiday in celebration of the feast of the city’s patroness pursuant to Republic Act 7350, approved on April 2, 1992.