By Emme Rose Santiagudo
Concerns over the Coronavirus-disease (COVID-19) will not stop the Passi City government in Iloilo province from holding the annual Pintados de Passi Festival in March 2020.
Passi City Mayor Stephen Palmares decided to go ahead with the event after consulting various stakeholders.
“After thorough consultations with the different stakeholders, I am informing everyone that we will not postpone the celebration of Pintados de Pasi,” he said.
Palmares said he also considered the public’s health amid the threats of COVID-19.
Since the festival is expected to draw thousands of tourists, the mayor reminded the public to observe precautionary health measures.
“Cover your mouth and nose with flexed elbow or tissue when coughing and sneezing as advised by the World Health Organization (WHO). Rest assured that we will take measures to ensure that everyone is safe and secure,” he said.
“Pintados” is a Spanish term which means painted man.
Pintados de Passi Festival pays homage to the rich Visayan culture particularly the practice of tattooing.
The festival is celebrated every third week of March with a tribal dance competition where performers adorn themselves with body tattoos.
