Why should a corporation destroying a part of Pakil be allowed to take part in its festivities?
As the town of Pakil, Laguna kicked off celebrations for its famed Turumba Festival last April 13, concerned groups questioned the recent decision of the local government to allow the developer of a major power project to become a major sponsor of the festival.
In a joint statement, the Panatang Luntian and Mamamayang Nagmamahal sa Pakil denounced the LGU's allowing Ahunan Power, Inc. as a sponsor in the festival.
Ahunan Power, Inc. is the developer of the 1,400-megawatt Ahunan Pumped-Storage Hydropower Project in Pakil, a project that has drawn concerns from locals and environmental groups due to its risks to the town's environment.
"The Turumba Festival is not merely a festivity, but a sacred tradition that must be protected. It is inappropriate to associate it with a company whose projects run counter to the community’s values of environmental stewardship and collective well-being," the groups announced in the statement published in social media.
The groups also called out the "irony" of a company linked to environmentally harmful projects supporting a celebration rooted in respect for nature.
"This raises serious concerns about prioritizing financial interests over public welfare and undermines the ethical responsibility of the local government," they added.
“Ultimately, a celebration of faith should not be supported by actions that contradict its very essence.”
The annual Turumba Festival, held from April 13 to 15, honors Pakil's foremost cultural and religious icon: Our Lady of Turumba, a venerated Marian image depicting Our Lady of Sorrows that has become the patroness of Pakil.
The term "turumba" was alleged to come from the Tagalog phrase "natumba sa laki ng tuwa" (trembled in great joy), referring to the ecstatic celebration of the the devotees of the Our Lady of Turumba during the Lupi Fiestas held from April to May.
Catholic priests have joined the opposition to the construction of the dam, which they said can also affect long-standing traditions held by Pakileños, especially during Holy Week.
According to a 2022 report by the Center of Environmental Concerns, the Ahunan Pumped-Storage Hydropower Plant will be located at the site of the annual "Ahunan," a tradition where people hike to the top of the mountain and to the water source which is believed to have healing powers.