Turogpo Festival in Leyte cancelled

CARIGARA, Leyte – The local government has cancelled the Turogpo Festival here to uphold the welfare of participating animals. The annual festival on Black Saturday that had been a tradition attracting thousands of tourists was slated to be held on April 8. Mayor Eduardo Ong Jr. said in lieu of the festival is a simple and meaningful celebration comprised of a Mass and short program. Ong said that as much as they would want to continue the tradition, they do not want to violate the Animal Welfare Act of 1998. The LGU cited Section 6 which states that: "It shall be unlawful for any person to torture any animal, to neglect to provide adequate care, sustenance, or shelter, or maltreat any animal or to subject any dog or horse to dogfights or horse fights, kill or cause or procure to be tortured or deprived of adequate care, sustenance, or shelter, or maltreat or use the same in research or experiments not expressly authorized by the Committee on Animal Welfare." "We're also looking out for the well-being of the carabaos and horses. Thus, our municipality will be celebrating this year's Turogpo in a simpler way that will be just as meaningful," Ong said. When the LGU coordinated for the staging of the event, the Regulatory Division of the Department of Agriculture-Regional Office 8 revealed some reports and concerns regarding the Turogpo Festival during previous years which prompted them to recommend its cancellation this year. Some LGUs have been charged for violating the law because they held bullfighting and horse fighting. Turogpo, a Waray term that means ‘’to meet’’ or matchmaking, has been a tradition among residents here since the 1600s. Activities include carabao fights (pasungay), horse fights (paaway), and cockfights (sabong).