The rising cases of Covid-19 in Sta. Rosa City may have been a factor in the rescheduling of the annual Sikhayan Festival.
Residents of Sta. Rosa City, Laguna had to let go of their plans for a lively “Sikhayan” Festival this year for the meantime, as the city bears the brunt of the current surge of Covid-19 cases.
In an advisory issued January 17, the city government of Sta. Rosa City announced its decision to “reschedule” the annual festival, usually held in conjunction with the city’s founding anniversary date on January 18.
"The City Government is working for the proclamation of the rescheduled date as a holiday in the City of Santa Rosa. Further announcements will be made on this matter," the LGU advised residents and employees.
The city government did not give an explanation for the “rescheduling” of the events for this year’s festival.
However, the rising cases of Covid-19 in the city and in Laguna province may have been a factor.
As of January 18, Sta. Rosa City has reported 710 active cases of Covid-19, with 134 new cases (18 of whom were "re-infected" with the virus).
Last week, the city government announced that most of its offices will be on a “work-from-home” basis due to the current Covid-19 surge.
Operations of its Business One-Stop Shop (BOSS), for the registration and renewal of business permits, were also suspended from January 15 to 23.
Muted festivities
Usually celebrated every January 18, the Sikhayan (Pagsisikap sa Kabuhayan) Festival aims to honor the "resilience and perseverance" of the people of Sta. Rosa City.
According to the organizers of the Sikhayan Festival, the fiesta basically showcases the perseverance and determination of every resident in improving his life and that of the communities.
“It is a festival that pays tribute to the unrelenting effort and resolute contributions made by Santa Rosa’s sectors, from farmers, fisher folk, artisans, workers and entrepreneurs big and small, to the city’s continuing progress,” the LGU said in its official Facebook page for the festival.
Last year, the city government also opted for a "virtual" celebration of the Sikhayan Festival due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
Street dance competitions and other activities were held without the usual crowds due to health protocols, with the LGU instead broadcasting the activities online.
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