Responders on high alert ahead of Peñafrancia Festival

By Ernie Delgado

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) operation center in Bicol is on red alert until September 22 in preparation for any emergencies that may arise during the Peñafrancia Festival 2025 in Naga City.

In a memorandum, Claudio Yucot, Office of Civil Defense director for Bicol and RDRRMC chairperson, emphasized that agencies and local government units should implement necessary preparedness measures.

Yucot also stated that response agencies with resources not currently deployed in Naga City must remain on alert and be ready for possible deployment if additional support is needed.

Under red alert status, response agencies and the disaster risk reduction and management offices of Camarines Sur and Naga City are expected to activate their operation centers, which will report to the RDRRMC operation center.

Yucot urged the public to stay alert for a peaceful and successful festival celebration.

On Thursday, the Bicol Region Police Office deployed 2,500 personnel in Naga City to assist the 800 officers from the Naga City Police Station with securing the celebration.

The Peñafrancia Festival is held to commemorate the feast day of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, the patron saint of the region.

The focal point of the event is the fluvial procession on the Naga River, which takes place on September 20. (PIA Bicol/Masbate)