Naga suspends classes, gov't work for Peñafrancia fiesta

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY – The Naga City government has suspended classes and work in government offices on several dates this month to help ensure public safety and manage vehicular and pedestrian traffic during major activities of the 2026 Peñafrancia Festival.

Mayor Maria Leonor Robredo issued Executive Order 044, series of 2026, citing road closures and the expected movement of vehicles and pedestrians during major processions and civic events.

The order said the 2026 Peñafrancia Incident Management Team and the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office recommended the suspensions to ensure public safety, maintain order, and facilitate traffic management during the festival.

The Department of Education - Schools Division Office Naga City also recommended the class suspensions to allow students and teachers to participate in the city's religious and civic activities.

Classes in all public and private primary and secondary schools in Naga City are suspended on Sept. 11 for the Peñafrancia Traslacion Procession; Sept. 17 for the Scouts Parade and DXMC Competition, Civic and Float Parade, and Peñafrancia Voyadores Street and Pilgrims Dance Competition; Sept. 18, a special non-working holiday in the city; and Sept. 21 for the Post-Peñafrancia Rest and Recovery Day.

The Sept. 21 suspension applies only to primary and secondary schools to provide students time to rest and recover following the festival activities.

For tertiary institutions, classes are suspended on the same dates, except Sept. 21. Classes in all public and private tertiary schools are also suspended on Sept. 19 for the Peñafrancia Fluvial Procession, taking into consideration that some colleges and universities hold regular classes on Saturdays.

Work in government offices within Naga City is also suspended on Sept. 11, 17, 18, and 19, corresponding to the Traslacion, civic and float parade activities, special non-working holiday, and Fluvial Procession.

The suspension does not cover government personnel performing essential functions, including peace and order, traffic enforcement, disaster risk reduction and management, health and sanitation, and other vital services. Heads of government offices may also require employees to report for duty when public service needs demand.

The city government also encouraged private-sector employers to suspend work on the specified dates in coordination with their safety and health committees, safety officers, or other responsible personnel for the safety and convenience of their employees. (PNA)