The municipality of Santa Catalina in Negros Oriental has decided to forego its traditional 78th Municipal Fiesta celebrations, including the much-awaited Pakol Festival, as the community grapples with the effects of the nationwide energy emergency and escalating fuel prices.
The announcement came through an official statement from Mayor Peve Obaniana Ligan on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, citing compliance with Executive Order No. 110, series of 2026, which established a National Energy Emergency, along with related mandates from the Negros Oriental Provincial Government.
The mayor expressed the difficulty of this decision, stating: “With a heavy heart, we come before you today in light of the ongoing global energy crisis that continues to affect our nation and our community. This difficult decision comes as we face rising fuel costs and limited energy supply—realities that call for unity, sacrifice, and responsible action from all of us.”
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Traditional Celebrations Put on Hold
The municipal government’s decision impacts several cornerstone events that define Santa Catalina’s annual celebration. The Pakol Festival, Hara ng Santa Catalina pageant, and other signature festivities that typically mark the 78th Fiesta will not proceed as planned.
These cultural events have long served as the municipality’s pride, attracting participants and spectators from neighboring areas while strengthening community bonds through shared traditions and festivities.
The mayor acknowledged the profound disappointment this brings to residents and organizers alike. “We know how much these celebrations mean to our people. We know the joy they bring, and we especially recognize the tireless efforts, passion, and dedication of our organizers, handlers, trainers, and all those who have worked day and night since January to prepare for these events,” Mayor Ligan remarked.
Rather than completely abandoning all celebratory activities, the municipality plans to conduct modest and meaningful programs, supported by sponsors who remain committed to the community despite current economic pressures.
Prioritizing Essential Community Needs
The decision to cancel major festival events stems from a calculated approach to resource management during the crisis. Municipal funds originally allocated for celebrations will instead support sectors heavily dependent on fuel, including transportation services, fishing operations, and agricultural activities.
Transport groups throughout Santa Catalina have struggled with maintaining affordable services as operational costs continue climbing. The municipality’s intervention through fuel subsidies aims to prevent further increases in public transportation fares that could burden residents.
The local fishing sector, fundamental to Santa Catalina’s economic foundation, faces particular challenges as boat operators contend with significantly higher fuel expenses. Many fishermen report difficulty maintaining profitable operations, with some forced to reduce their fishing trips due to cost constraints.
Agricultural producers also require assistance, as transportation costs for moving farm products to markets have increased substantially. The mayor’s statement emphasized directing saved festival funds toward fuel assistance programs for these essential economic sectors.
Acknowledgment of Community Sacrifice
Mayor Ligan recognized the substantial personal investments made by cultural groups, performers, and volunteers who have dedicated months to festival preparations. The cancellation represents not only a cultural loss but also an economic impact on local vendors, artisans, and businesses that depend on increased activity during fiesta season.
“This decision was never easy. But in these trying times, we are called to put first what truly matters—ensuring that our limited resources are directed toward essential services,” the mayor explained in the official statement.
The announcement appeals for public understanding and cooperation, acknowledging that festival cancellation requires significant sacrifice from a community that values its cultural heritage and annual traditions.
Wider Regional Impact of Energy Crisis
Santa Catalina’s response mirrors actions taken by other local government units across the Philippines as they implement measures required under the national energy emergency declaration. The provincial government’s supporting directives have encouraged municipalities throughout Negros Oriental to adopt similar conservation strategies.
The energy crisis has forced communities nationwide to reconsider spending priorities, with many choosing to suspend cultural and recreational programs to preserve resources for basic services and crisis response measures.
Municipal governments face the challenge of balancing community morale and cultural continuity against practical necessities imposed by economic constraints and national emergency protocols.
Looking Forward with Community Unity
Despite current hardships, Mayor Ligan emphasized Santa Catalina’s enduring community spirit and collective resilience. The statement concluded with encouragement for residents to maintain solidarity during these challenging circumstances.
“Though this year’s celebration may be quieter, our spirit as a people remains strong and unwavering,” the mayor declared, reinforcing themes of unity through the municipal hashtags #Santahanon Kini, #Sidlak Santa Catalina, and #OneDreamOneVisionOneGoal.
The municipality has not established a timeline for resuming full festival activities, as this depends on resolution of the national energy emergency and stabilization of fuel costs affecting communities throughout the Philippines.
Santa Catalina’s decision reflects the practical challenges facing local governments as they navigate between preserving cultural traditions and ensuring essential services remain accessible during the ongoing crisis.
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