Despite the somber atmosphere in the island brought by the recent calamity, the municipal government of Virac will push ahead with some events celebrating the Kaaldawan nin Virac 2024 this December 1-8.
The organizing committee chaired by Mayor Samuel V. Laynes said the LGU hopes the meaningful celebration, with the theme “Kaaldawan nin Banwaan, Paguiromdoman nin Pagsarig asin Kakusgan,” will benefit residents and their families whose lives were affected by super typhoon Pepito.
The committee pared down the number of activities, removing sporting events, and other activities in view of the damage inflicted on Virac by the typhoon.
The much-anticipated “Pasalinggaya sa Catanduanes” hosted by Sorsogon Governor Joseph Edwin “Boboy” Hamor has been cancelled, with the latter to focus on providing financial and material support to the Catanduanes provincial government in the post-typhoon recovery and rehabilitation program.
According to the calendar of activities, the nine-day Novenario at the Immaculate Conception Catheral will start this Nov. 28, followed by the World AIDS Day Celebration at Virac Plaza Rizal at 5 AM of Dec. 1.
The other activities are: Dec. 2 – Kickoff Parade at Plaza Rizal at 7 AM, first day of the Food Fair(Barakalan sa Kaaldawan) at the skating rink at 7 AM, and Pailaw nin Pakisumaro (Lighting of Christmas Tree) at the same venue at 6:30 PM;
Dec. 4 – Negosyo Asenso Livelihood Training at ABC Hall, 8 AM to 5 PM;
Dec. 5 – Blood Letting Activity 8 AM to 3 PM at Virac Sports Complex;
Dec. 6 – 18-Day Campaign to End VAWC Activities 6:30 AM to 8:00 AM in front of the LGU lobby and Jobs Fair at the Covered Court 8 AM to 5 PM;
Dec. 7 – Civic-Military Parade, 7 AM assembly at the Covered Court; and,
Dec. 8 – IRCC-Kaaldawan nin Virac Half Marathon 4 AM at Covered Court, Diana at 5 PM, Marian Procession at 6 AM, Concelebrated Mass at the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral at 9 AM, and Pakawat sa Fiesta (Laro ng Lahi) 10 AM at the Covered Court.
The other events scrapped by the committee were the Miss Gay Virac 2024 pageant, Ulat sa Bayan, Liga Night, Awarding of Zero Open Defecation Barangay, Matibay na Barangay Legislative Award, Mayor Sammy Laynes Amateur Boxing Tournament 2024, Mutya ng Virac 2024, Kansyon Cum Bayle sa Kaaldawan Group Dance and Singing Competition, and the Vesper Ball.