Town braces for 500,000 pilgrims, guests in Holy Week observance

By Jason B. Neola

CALABANGA, Camarines Sur --- With an estimated 500,000 pilgrims and visitors expected to flock to this town during the solemn observance of Holy Week from April 13 to 20, local authorities have ramped up security and safety preparations. An Incident Command System has been established and an Incident Management Team (IMT) has been formed to ensure the safety and security of the public throughout the religious events.

Police Lt. Col. Jonel Averilla, officer-in-charge of the Calabanga Municipal Police Station, said the large influx of devotees is expected especially on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, as pilgrims traditionally trek to the town’s sacred sites such as the Camino de Santo Entierro (Way of the Holy Burial).

In preparation, the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), headed by Daniel Abalayan, has scheduled several operational briefings. The first was held on Wednesday, April 16, at 3:00 PM at the MDRRMO-Emergency Operations Center, ahead of the evening’s procession.

At 5:00 PM on Holy Wednesday, a religious procession took place, passing through the principal streets of Francisco, San Pablo, Del Carmen, Sta. Isabel, San Miguel, Sta. Salud, San Vicente, and San Antonio. Road closures were implemented in these areas, while traffic enforcers allowed entry only to vehicles transporting patients in emergency situations.

On Thursday, April 17, another operational period briefing is scheduled at the barangay hall of San Vicente in preparation for the traditional Alay Lakad, which will draw thousands of devotees trekking toward the Camino de Santo Entierro. During the Alay Lakad, all public transport is advised to reroute via the San Antonio Road in the neighboring town of Bombon, then to Bigaas, Binaliw, and Ratay in Calabanga, due to road closures in Sta. Salud, San Roque, and Ratay.

At 8:00 PM, a passion play will be staged, passing through the streets of San Antonio, San Vicente, Sta. Isabel, and Del Carmen, before returning to the church, according to Fr. Gilbert Briguera, parish priest of Our Lady of La Porteria Parish.

Jerome Ordovez, head of the cast involved in the passion play, invites the public to witness the moving reenactment of the suffering, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. He says the production is a product of months of preparation and heartfelt devotion, and encourages everyone to take part in the spiritual journey by watching the performances on Holy Thursday and Good Friday.

On Good Friday, April 18, the passion play continues. At 8:00 AM, another operational briefing will be held to ensure the safe transfer of the image of the Holy Sepulcher from the Hinulid chapel to the Our Lady of La Porteria Parish.

At 8:30 AM, the passion play will resume, this time passing through Del Carmen, Sta. Isabel, San Miguel, and Sta. Salud. At 12:00 noon, the crucifixion at the Calvary will be reenacted at the Tible property in Sta. Salud.

At 5:00 PM, the Good Friday procession will commence, covering the streets of San Francisco, San Pablo, Del Carmen, Sta. Isabel, San Miguel, Sta. Salud, San Vicente, and San Antonio, before returning to the parish church. The roads will reopen once the image of Mater Dolorosa has entered the church compound.

The day will culminate with the Soledad procession at 10:00 PM, passing through the street of Del Carmen, will turn left in front of Complex eatery, will go straight ahead to the public market compound and will proceed to the San Francisco chapel.

Authorities urge the public to stay vigilant, follow rerouting advisories, and cooperate with law enforcement and emergency responders to ensure a safe and solemn observance of the Holy Week.