Mountain Province nixes Lang-ay Festival due to nat'l energy emergency
BAGUIO CITY – The provincial government of Mountain Province on Wednesday announced the cancellation of all activities for the annual Lang-ay Festival in support of the national energy emergency, officials said.
In a social media post, the local government announced the cancellation "in compliance with Executive Order 17-2026," adding that the move supports the National Energy Emergency declared under Executive Order 110.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued the national energy emergency declaration on Tuesday due to increasing fuel prices brought about by the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The cancellation came days after the province had initially planned to tone down the celebration and implement energy-saving measures.
The announcement stated that the priority is to conserve energy and redirect funds to essential public services.
"While the festival will not take place, we will still hold a brief but meaningful commemoration to honor the 59th Mountain Province Founding Anniversary on April 7," the post read.
The festival, which stands for sharing, fostering fellowship, and promoting peace, hospitality, and camaraderie, represents the province's spirit of community associated with sharing, feasting, and drinking native wine.
The week-long festival highlights indigenous culture, traditional dances, and community unity. (PNA)