By Fernan Angeles
FOR the first time since its inception, Angono’s famous Higantes Festival would not be as grand as it used to be as the local council hinted on passing a measure seen to temporarily shun on a fun-filled festive mood.
In a statement read by Angono, Rizal Vice-Mayor Gerardo Calderon before members of the local council, the local government is not inclined on cancelling the annual event for which Angono is known for. However, in lieu of the traditional merry-making gatherings, this year’s Higantes Festival may only be done on cyber space.
Calderon said on Facebook Live that they are actually trying to keep both the tradition in place while taking public health into top consideration.
“Kung wala pa ring bakuna kontra sa COVID-19 sa November, Higantes Festival at fiesta celebration ng lokal na pamahalaan, gagawin na lang online.”
“Ipinaaabot din po ng ating Punongbayan [Jeri Mae Calderon] na kapag wala pa pong bakuna [laban sa COVID-19], pati po ang Higantes Festival, ito po ay [gaganapin] online. Sa lahat din ng programa na may kinalaman sa Kapaskuhan, online din,” the local council’s presiding officer added.
Angono, which is regarded as the Art Capital of the Philippines, holds the annual Higantes Festival every November.