Naga bats for safe, solemn fluvial rites

By JASON B. NEOLA

AS the Bicol Region prepares to celebrate the centenary of the coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patroness of Bicolandia, around a million of pilgrims and devotees will once again gather in this city for the highlight of the festivities—the grand fluvial procession on Saturday, September 21.

The procession, which is now on its 314th year, will see the revered image of “Ina” journey down the 2.5-kilometer stretch of the Naga River, with the faithful raising their voices in prayer and song, chanting the “Resuene Vibrante” and reciting the Holy Rosary.

In a bid to ensure safety and solemnity in this sacred event, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), in coordination with the Naga City Police Office (NCPO) and other agencies, has announced stringent security measures.

Coast Guard Commander Christian Jazmin, who leads the PCG station in Camarines Sur, revealed that a policy prohibiting spectators from gathering on the city’s four major bridges—Tabuco, Panganiban, Colgante, and Magsaysay—will be enforced to prevent accidents.

In past years, there have been reports of individuals jumping from the bridges, seeking attention or flaunting their swimming abilities, often leading to injuries.

“We are committed to preventing any untoward incidents,” Jazmin said. “This policy is about safeguarding the public and ensuring that the procession remains focused on its true purpose—a solemn devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia.”

The decision was reached during a coordination meeting of the Peñafrancia Task Unit Fluvial Security, which is spearheaded by the PCG. The Multi-Agency Coordinating Group’s Security, and Peace and Order Task Group, led by Police Col. Erwin Rebellon, NCPO city director, is tasked with overseeing the security arrangements for the event.

Among the key safety measures in place is the mandatory wearing of life vests for devotees aboard the pagoda and all registered watercrafts. Participants will not be permitted to consume intoxicating beverages, and those found drunk or acting unruly will be promptly removed from the procession.

Non-pagoda watercrafts are also forbidden from overtaking the pagoda, which will carry the sacred image and a select group of devotees, keeping a mandatory 50-meter distance.

Only those listed in the manifest approved by the Archdiocese of Caceres will be allowed to board the pagoda, which can accommodate up to 200 devotees. Each participant must present an ID issued by the archdiocese before boarding. Moreover, no political banners will be permitted during the procession, maintaining the spiritual focus of the celebration.

In an emotional moment, the fluvial procession will pause beneath the Colgante Bridge for prayers in memory of the more than 100 lives lost in the 1972 Colgante Bridge Tragedy, a somber reminder of the fragility of life even in moments of devotion.

With this year’s celebration marking the centenary of the Lady’s coronation, it is set to be a deeply significant event, not only for Bicolanos but for Marian devotees across the country. As the largest Marian festival in Asia, Peñafrancia draws throngs of pilgrims, tourists, and guests who travel great distances to be part of the grand act of faith.

As the city of Naga prepares for the influx of pilgrims, Jazmin reiterated the importance of adhering to safety guidelines, which include securing sea-worthiness certificates for all vessels, prohibiting minors and the elderly from boarding the boats, and removing any illegal occupants under the bridges.

“The Peñafrancia festival is a powerful expression of faith, devotion, and community. It is our duty to make sure that everyone can participate safely and meaningfully,” he said.

With the safety measures in place and the unwavering devotion of the faithful, this year’s Peñafrancia fluvial procession promises to be a deeply moving and spiritually profound event. Authorities are calling on all participants and spectators to uphold the sacredness of the occasion as they come together in honor of “Ina.”

For the Bicolanos, the occasion is not just a celebration but a testament to faith, a century in the making.

THE pagoda of Our Lady of Peñafrancia moves smoothly and gracefully along the Naga River during last year’s fluvial procession, as hundreds of thousands of devotees and onlookers gathered along the riverbanks in prayer and song to honor the beloved patroness of Bicolandia. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO