Thousands of pilgrims and tourists participate in the rituals held during the Panaad 2024 in Camiguin. (Photo courtesy of Camiguin Tourism Office)
CAMIGUIN (PIA) — Camiguin is preparing for Panaad 2025, an annual religious and cultural event during the Holy Week. With thousands of pilgrims and tourists expected, the provincial government is focusing on security, logistics, and economic stability to ensure a smooth event.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Member Ma. Victoria Jansol emphasized measures to prevent overcrowding. “Naa ang Bureau of Fire Protection para simbako naay mga sunog, ang mga kapulisan ug ang atong PDRRMO [Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office], grabe ang participation sa local community,” she said.
(The Bureau of Fire Protection is present in case of fire emergencies, while the police and the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, along with the local community, are highly involved).
To address the impact on the local economy, the provincial government is working with businesses to ensure adequate food supply, stable prices, and operational ATMs.
“Not only sa mga negosyante, especially sa food, but even banks atong gihangyo nga ang ATMs naa’y mga sulod, dili mag-offline,” said tourism officer Candice Naome Dael.
(Not only for businesses, especially in food, but we also requested banks to keep ATMs stocked and online.)
SP Member Shella Babanto emphasized the importance of planning ahead for Panaad 2025.
“Before molakaw, dapat naka-book na gyud ka. We know kung unsa ang flux sa atoang tourist arrival so dapat nakaplastar namo tanan,” she said during the Padayong Pagserbisyo Alang sa Katawhan radio program on March 27.
(Before traveling, you should have a booking. We know the tourist arrival flow, so we have everything arranged.)
She urged tourists to follow local rules and regulations to ensure a smooth experience.
Local officials are also encouraging visitors to maintain cleanliness by using reusable water bottles and properly disposing of trash.
“Ang Panaad atong gi-coincide sa Holy Week. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. But kaning Panaad nga mag-walk around the island, mu-start na siya sa buntag sa Holy Wednesday mu-end sila sa Good Friday. Mag-prusisyon dayon kung asa sila nga municipality,” said Dael.
(We have coincided Panaad with Holy Week. From Palm Sunday to Easter Sunday. But the Panaad walk around the island starts on Holy Wednesday morning and ends on Good Friday. There will be processions in different municipalities).
The event, rooted in Catholic traditions, includes fasting, confession, and other religious practices. With careful planning and collaboration, Dael said Camiguin is prepared to deliver a well-organized and spiritually enriching Panaad 2025. (RTP/PIA-10/Camiguin)
