Santa Catalina, Negros Oriental has announced the cancellation of its beloved Pakol Festival and other major celebrations for its 78th Municipal Fiesta due to the ongoing national energy crisis and rising fuel costs that continue to impact communities across the Philippines.
Mayor Peve Obaniana Ligan issued an official statement on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, explaining that the municipality is compelled to suspend all non-essential activities following Executive Order No. 110, series of 2026, which declared a National Energy Emergency, and corresponding directives from the Provincial Government of Negros Oriental.
"With a heavy heart, we come before you today in light of the ongoing global energy crisis that continues to affect our nation and our community," Mayor Ligan stated in the announcement. "This difficult decision comes as we face rising fuel costs and limited energy supply—realities that call for unity, sacrifice, and responsible action from all of us."
Major Festival Events Suspended
The suspension affects the municipality's most anticipated annual events, including the Pakol Festival, Hara ng Santa Catalina pageant, and other major highlights traditionally featured during the 78th Fiesta celebration. These events have been central to the community's cultural identity and typically draw visitors from across the region.
Instead of the grand celebrations that residents have come to expect, the municipality will hold only simple and meaningful activities, made possible through the support of generous sponsors who remain committed to the community despite the challenging circumstances.
Mayor Ligan acknowledged the significant impact this decision has on the community, particularly recognizing the efforts of organizers, handlers, trainers, and volunteers who have been preparing since January 2026. "We know how much these celebrations mean to our people. We know the joy they bring, and we especially recognize the tireless efforts, passion, and dedication of our organizers, handlers, trainers, and all those who have worked day and night since January to prepare for these events," the mayor stated.
Resource Reallocation to Essential Services
The cancellation reflects a strategic decision to redirect limited municipal resources toward essential services and support for sectors most affected by the energy crisis. The municipality has prioritized assistance for transport groups, fisherfolk, and farmers—communities that depend heavily on fuel for their daily operations and livelihood.
According to the mayor's statement, the saved resources will be channeled into fuel subsidies and other immediate assistance programs for these vulnerable sectors. This reallocation comes as transportation costs continue to rise, affecting the movement of goods and people throughout the region.
The fishing industry, crucial to Santa Catalina's economy, has been particularly impacted by rising fuel prices, with many fishermen struggling to maintain profitable operations due to increased operational costs. Similarly, farmers face challenges in transporting their produce to markets, while transport groups grapple with maintaining affordable services for the community.
Community Response and Understanding
The mayor's statement emphasized the difficulty of the decision while calling for community solidarity during these challenging times. "This decision was never easy. But in these trying times, we are called to put first what truly matters—ensuring that our limited resources are directed toward essential services," Mayor Ligan explained.
The announcement includes an appeal for public understanding and continued support, recognizing that the festival cancellation represents a significant sacrifice for a community that takes pride in its cultural celebrations. The Pakol Festival has historically served not only as a cultural showcase but also as an economic driver for local businesses and vendors who depend on the increased foot traffic during fiesta season.
Local organizers and cultural groups who have invested months of preparation for the festival performances and competitions will need to adjust their plans, though the mayor's statement expressed gratitude for their dedicated efforts despite the eventual cancellation.
Energy Crisis Impact on Regional Celebrations
Santa Catalina's decision reflects the broader impact of the national energy emergency on local governments across the Philippines. The implementation of Executive Order No. 110, series of 2026, has prompted municipalities to reassess their spending priorities and reduce non-essential activities to conserve resources.
The Provincial Government of Negros Oriental's directive supporting the national emergency declaration has influenced multiple municipalities to take similar conservation measures, affecting cultural and recreational activities throughout the region.
Rising fuel costs have created a cascading effect on local economies, forcing communities to make difficult choices between maintaining traditional celebrations and ensuring essential services remain accessible to residents.
Future Outlook and Community Resilience
Despite the current challenges, Mayor Ligan's statement emphasized the community's resilience and unity. "Though this year's celebration may be quieter, our spirit as a people remains strong and unwavering," the mayor declared.
The statement concluded with the municipal hashtags #Santahanon Kini, #Sidlak Santa Catalina, and #OneDreamOneVisionOneGoal, reinforcing the call for community solidarity during the crisis.
The municipality has not indicated when normal festival activities might resume, as this will depend on the resolution of the national energy emergency and the stabilization of fuel costs affecting communities across the Philippines.
Photo credit: Official statement from Santa Catalina Municipal Government