NAGA CITY (PIA)— City Mayor Nelson Legacion has issued Executive Order No. 2023-027 temporarily suspending classes at all levels in both public and private schools within this city, during specific days when Peñafrancia -related events will be held.

The festivity will officially kick off on Sept.8, Friday, with the Traslacion procession. This is the transfer of the image of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia and Divino Rostro from the Peñafrancia shrine to the Metropolitan Cathedral.

All work in all government and private offices, within the local jurisdiction of the city, is also suspended to ensure an unhampered flow of the activities, which are expected to be participated by thousands of devotees.

In the said directive, Legacion cited that the suspension of classes is made to ensure the safety of the students, and the general public and for the city to efficiently manage the flow of traffic and human activities during the conduct of said events.

The Military parade and Drum and Lyre Corps competition  are 

among the most awaited events during the Peñafrancia festivity

The suspension of both classes and work, Legacion added, is meant to “maintain order, and effectively manage vehicular and human traffic, thereby reducing congestion, inconvenience, and potential emergencies.”

The EO will take effect on the following dates: Sept. 8- Peñafrancia Traslacion procession; Sept. 13- Regional Scouts Parade, DBC and DXMC exhibition and mass dance competition; Sept. 14- Civic Parade and Float Competition; Sept. 16- Fluvial Procession and Sept. 18 as a day of rest for the Nagueños after the culmination of the Peñafrancia fiesta on Sept. 17, Sunday.

This directive, however, does not apply to city hall personnel or other offices with personnel directly involved in maintaining peace and security like the Philippine National Police (PNP), and its attached agencies; those involved in health and sanitation, and those who are rendering other essential services.

The temporary halt of work and classes carries a more profound significance beyond the reasons mentioned earlier.

The celebration of the Peñafrancia festivity, for the greater population of the region and other Marian devotees, connotes a deeper religious and cultural tradition.

While it is a reflective celebration of faith, it also promotes cultural heritage and fosters unity within the community.  (PIA 5)