Several events in the province of Albay have been postponed due to Mayon Volcano's continuous effusive eruption. On Tuesday, organizers of the Ibalong Festival scheduled on Aug. 11-20 in this city decided to defer the celebration. In a statement, Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal said the executive committee of the Ibalong Festival 2023 has decided to cancel the event to ensure the safety of both residents and visitors. "With the Province of Albay under a state of calamity, the funds intended for the 2023 Ibalong Festival will be used to ensure that the city government will have enough resources to cater to the need of our constituents should the worst possible scenario occur," Rosal said. She said while the festival could be a great opportunity for everyone to experience fun and excitement, they cannot put people's safety at risk. "Let us remain vigilant and steadfast in praying that we overcome this crisis as one community," she added. Rosal also apologized to the Mt. Mayon Triathlon 2023 participants who already made travel arrangements and invested time and effort in preparing for the event slated during the nine-day Ibalong Festival. "We deeply apologize for any inconvenience caused and will be working towards resolving any outstanding matters, such as refunds of registration fees as applicable. We hope to resume our annual triathlon event as soon as conditions permit," the mayor said. In an earlier announcement, Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo also postponed the celebration of the town's famous Pinangat Festival, citing the increasing volcanic activities of Mayon Volcano. Baldo said while the festival holds significant cultural importance for the town, the safety and welfare of the people of Camalig remain his top priority. 'Please know that your lives are more valuable than any activity or any festival. Allow us to prioritize first, you and your family's safety, as we work together to overcome the challenges posed by Mayon,' Baldo said. Psycho-social intervention for Mayon evacuees Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office in Bicol (PRO5) currently plays an active role in the lives of evacuees through the provision of psychosocial intervention measures under the "Oplan Kasurog kan Bakwit" Program. In an interview, Lt. Col. Malu Calubaquib, PRO5 spokesperson, said these measures include the staging of a free concert and dance program this week prepared by their talented personnel. Policemen have also been giving candies to the children and conducting simple games. "Aside from ensuring security to maintain peace and order in the different evacuation centers and within the 6-km permanent danger zone. We would like to give our evacuees an experience that they will feel better and lessen their fear and anxiety. With the singing and dancing, they interact with our police personnel and have a little bit of fun. The activities help in keeping their mental health active," Calubaquib said. She said other activities have also been lined up for the different Mayon-affected areas including the towns of Daraga, Malilipot, Camalig, Guinobatan and Sto. Domingo and the cities of Ligao and Tabaco. The PRO5 has activated different teams in response to the ongoing activities of the volcano.
Source: Philippines News Agency
