Photo courtesy of The Citybridge, Bago City Newsletter
Bago City, Negros Occidental has rescheduled its 54th Charter Anniversary celebration to March due to the deadly 2019 novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19) threat that already killed thousands worldwide.
The new schedule is set from March 10 to 13, according to Mayor Nicholar Yulo. The announcement was posted on the city’s office Facebook page.
“We waited for the advisory from the three (concerned) agencies before finally deciding to push through with the celebration,” he added.
The Department of Health (DOH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Department of Tourism (DOT) released a joint statement, stating that as long as all precautionary measures identified by the DOH are followed, it is safe to organize and attend public gatherings, meetings and festivals.
“The clarification bodes well for the tourism industry given that the Meetings, Incentives, Conventions, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector is a huge contributor to tourism revenues and jobs,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.
The resolution to postpone the 54th Charter Anniversary was passed on Feb. 11, based on the DOH advisory, stating that with the deadly effects of the Covid-19, the public is strongly encouraged to avoid attending, participating, and organizing events that draw a huge number of people.
The charter anniversary celebration is one of the major tourism events of Bago City, which draws thousands of locals and foreign tourists to visit the city yearly. (RJ Espartinez)