Argao fiesta 'salu-salo' only for members of same household

CEBU, Philippines — Outsiders will not be allowed to visit the houses of their relatives or friends for “salu-salo” when the municipality of Argao in southern Cebu marks its annual fiesta on September 28-29.

In an advisory released by Argao Public Information Office, the public was asked to be mindful that “we are still in the pandemic.”

Residents of Argao will be allowed to privately celebrate the town fiesta in their respective residences, though.

“Kay pista man lagi, anaa gyud ang naandang hikay alang sa salu-salo sa pista. Apan tungod kay ania man gihapon kita sa COVID-19 pandemic, kadto lang inyong naandan nga gikaipon og puyo sa balay mao lang usab ang inyong ikasalo sa pagpangaon. Dili tugotan ang wa magpuyo sa inyong balay nga mamista sa inyo,” the advisory read.

(Since it’s fiesta, we are used to preparing food for our salu-salo. However, since we are still in a pandemic, only those living in the same house will be allowed for the salu-salo. Those not living the same house will not be allowed to join.)

In line with this, the local government unit has also directed the local police, barangay tanods, and volunteers to establish full security at the market, the church and beaches, especially in Lawis, to implement crowd control.

Argao, a first-class municipality, celebrates its annual fiesta every September 28 and 29 in honor of their patron saint, San Miguel.

The public is allowed to enter the market but strict implementation of physical distancing will be observed, the advisory read.

For the beachgoers, especially in Lawis, they are allowed to swim until 6 p.m.

“Kadtong nagplano nga mangaligo sa dagat ug maglingaw-lingaw sa Lawis, gipahinumdoman usab nga kontrolahon ang gidaghanon sa mga tawo sa matag higayon,” the advisory read further.

(Those planning to swim in the beach, especially in Lawis, we are reminding them to observe crowd control at all times.)

Regie Sanchez, chairman of the municipal committee on public order, also urged the public to follow the policy to help stem coronavirus cases in the town.

“Naa pa man gud ta sa pandemya karon. Nangayo mi sa inyong pagsabot. Labing maayo nga magpamilya lang sa ang magsalu-salo sa pista (We are still in the midst of a pandemic. We are asking for your understanding. It would be best if we do the salu-salo with our own families),” Sanchez said.

Argao, which is comprised of 45 barangays, is located around 68 kilometers south of Cebu City.

According to the 2020 census, it has a population of 78,187 people. — JMD (FREEMAN)