By Gideon C. Corgue
PAGADIAN CITY – Visitors and
residents will miss the chance to witness this year’s much-awaited, breathtaking
street dancing and ritual competitions, as Mayor Romeo Pulmones announced the
cancellation of the event over the weekend.
Mayor Pulmones told the members of Zamboanga
del Sur-Pagadian City Press Club, Inc. during a press conference that the
street dancing and ritual competitions would no longer push through.
“I regret to inform the public that this
year’s street dancing and ritual competitions will no longer push through due
to security reasons,” Pulmones said.
When asked what specific threat does the city
encounter, Pulmones answered he could not divulge the details to protect the
informant.
“What is important is that we are exerting all efforts to
maintain peace and security especially in the perimeters of Sto. Nino
Cathedral,” Pulmones explained.
Pulmones said the activities of “Pangadyian
Festival” (formerly “Pasalamat Fetival) were held in different locations: the
street dancing competition is held in major streets and ritual dancing will be
at the city gymnasium, the regatta and fluvial procession at wharf area, and
the daily Novena Mass at Sto. Nino Cathedral.
Pulmones further said the law enforcers would
have the difficulty in securing the people since the events are not
concentrated in one area. “The Philippine National Police (PNP) has a total
strength of 169, which is insufficient to secure the 217,000 residents. With
the current police personnel we have, the PNP is very much undermanned,”
Pulmones said adding “the ratio of 1 policeman is equivalent to 1,000
residents.”
Pulmones, however, disclosed that the “Pangadyian
Sayaw Festival” would be held after the Novena Mass at the vicinity of Sto.
Nino Cathedral where nine groups of contingents - majority of whom are high
school students - will perform a ritual dancing.
On the other hand, the mayor informed the Pangadyian
Festival contingents, which include the performers, teachers and choreographers
that they are going to present their dances during the opening program of Private
Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) regional meet to be held here in Pagadian
City on Feb. 22.
“Akong gipasaligan ang mga
performers nga ipadayon ang ilang performance sa opening program sa PRISAA Regional Meet. Ako usab nga gihatag kanila ang subsidy sa
city government ug ang mga premyo intact”, Pulmones said.
(I have made my promise to the performers to continue with
their presentation during the opening program PRISAA regional meet. I have
given also to them the government’s subsidy, and the prizes are all intact.)
