Peñafrancia fiesta 2023 JOC now activated

By Keren Anne Bernadas

THIS city government and the Archdiocese of Caceres recently activated the Multi-Agency Coordination Group Joint Operations Center (JOC) through the signing of memorandum of cooperation and initial coordination meeting for the month-long Peñafrancia Festival in September 2023, on Wednesday, August 2, at Lay Formation Institution, Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, here.

Heads and representatives from various government agencies in the Bicol region, which include the Office of the Civil Defense, Naga City Police Office, Camarines Sur Police Provincial Office, Philippine Army, Bureau of Fire Protection, Department of Education, Philippine Coast Guard, National Telecommunications Commission, Philippine Naval Forces, and all Naga City Hall offices were present during the momentous signing.

In his message, Mayor Nelson Legacion called each agency to work together with dedication, professionalism, and a shared vision to ensure that this year’s Penafrancia Festival becomes an extraordinary and memorable experience for all involved. He also highlighted the recommendation of the City Solid Waste Management Council for environmental stewardship.

“Let us strongly encourage and heavily campaign in all platforms for festival-goers to bring their own reusable water bottles, bags, and utensils. I ask all event organizers to ensure that no styro packaging is used in all catering services,” Legacion said in order to promote sustainable practices and reduce single-use plastic waste during the said celebration.

The mayor also said that the city government will prohibit the placement of buntings or “banderitas” along procession routes, expecting to reduce over 50 percent of single-use banderitas in the city.

Archbishop of Caceres Most. Rev. Rolando J. Tria Tirona, said the theme of this year’s celebration revolve around the true journeying with Ina. He said, “The quality of our journey depends immensely with our personal relationship with Almighty God.”

To be able to advocate the festival as both civic and religious event, the archbishop said that there must be communion with God, and with the church, collaboration with different stakeholders and investments of resources, talents and desires; and celebrate with due integrity.

The theme for the celebration of the El Divino Rostro is: “A renewed church journeying with Christ through Christ and in Christ;” while the theme for solemn fiesta for Ina is: “Journeying with Ina in deepening our relationship with God in this challenging times.”

Furthermore, Mayor Legacion signed Executive Order No. 2023-025 on June 14, 2023, designating various committee heads: Miss Bicolandia Beauty Pageant Committee – Hon. Jose Rañola; Inter High School CAT/DRRM Marching Competition Committee head – Hon. Salvador Del Castillo; Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Parade and DXMC Committee – Hon. Joselito del Rosario; Civic and Float Parade Committee – City Administrator Elmer Baldemoro; Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival Committee – Hon. Jose Perez; Bicol Regional Military Parade Committee – Hon. Ramon Buenafe; and Tagboan Arts Festival – CEPPIO Department Head Allen Reondanga. (PIA5/Camarines Sur)