Naga issues guidelines for religious events

By Connie Calipay

The Naga City government issued guidelines to be implemented for religious events in connection with the observance of the Holy Week and fiesta processions in the city.

Executive Order (EO) No. 2022-011 issued by Mayor Nelson Legacion said the guidelines are to ensure proper coordination with law enforcement units.

“Permit for the conduct of processions shall be obtained by organizers at the City Mayor’s Office,” he said.

After the issuance of the permit, organizers are also required to coordinate with the barangay where the planned procession will be held.

“Given the changing alert level in every locality based on the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Disease (IATF-EID) decision tool, there is a need to issue rules that will guide the organizers and law enforcement agencies in the conduct of processions under a State of National Public Health Emergency,” the EO reads.

Legacion added that under Alert Level 1, which is the current status of the city, the conduct of outdoor or open-air processions in whatever mode(on foot, motorcade, or a combination of both) are allowed provided that all participants are wearing tight-fitted facemasks.

When it is placed by IATF under Alert Level 2, outdoor or open-air processions in whatever mode may be allowed, but shall be limited to fully vaccinated participants wearing fitted facemasks.

If the city would be declared under Alert Level 3, only motorcade-style processions may be allowed, and they will be limited to fully vaccinated participants with a 50 percent vehicle capacity restriction.

If the city is declared by IATF to be under Alert Level 4 or Alert Level 5, no processions may be allowed if not authorized by the guidelines set forth by IATF.

“Organizers shall ensure that minimum health standards are being observed” the guidelines added. (With reports from Eliakim Neric/PNA-OJT)