Festivities face possible

cancellation
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday revealed he will be meeting with local mayors to discuss the possible cancellation of this year’s Panaad sa Negros Festival, which is scheduled to take place from April 20 to 26. The call comes after President Rodrigo Duterte approved the recommendation by Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco Duque III to declare a state of public health emergency amid the ongoing local spread of the coronavirus disease, or Covid-19.
“Panaad is successful because of the cooperation of local government units,” the governor said.
He said they are anticipating guidelines from the national government with regard to the public emergency but noted, with regard to local festivities, that will be left to the discretion of mayors and their respective jurisdictions.
Meanwhile, Lacson also alerted barangay officials to closely monitor their respective areas, particularly those recently arriving from areas such as China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Macau, Taiwan, and Italy.
“They should be quarantined,” he added.
The governor also advises the public to follow protocols set by DOH, which includes wearing face masks and carrying rubbing alcohol or hand sanitizer.
“We [are] willing to postpone or cancel the event if the need arises,” Lacson added. “We will not sacrifice the health of our constituents.”/DGB, WDJ