FOR the second straight year, the annual celebrations and observance culminating on its cityhood, May-time Festival and even the traditional Lenten activities are not taking place this year as the Antipolo City government hinted on deferring all activities seen to generate crowds for as long the COVID-19 threat remains.
In a Facebook post, Mayor Andrea Bautista Ynares hinted at the city government’s position –health and safety above anything else.
“Ipinapaalam po sa lahat na katulad noong nakaraang taon, kinakansela po muna ang mga sumusunod na mass gatherings/events hangga’t hindi pa nawawala ang banta ng COVID-19 sa ating komunidad — Cityhood Anniversary Celebration, Alay-Lakad at iba pang Lenten Season activities at Maytime Festival,” reads part of the post.
Amid an indefinite suspension of all major events in the city, Ynares. however, urged local folks to keep the faith by engaging in prayers and attending virtual religious activities.
“Maaari pa rin natin maipakita ang ating pakikiisa at pananampalataya sa pamamagitan ng pagdalo sa mga virtual o online activities. Hinihingi po namin ang inyong pang-unawa at kooperasyon,” she quipped.
Antipolo City has recorded a total of 4,856 confirmed cases of COVID-19. Of this figure, 4,511 have recovered with 216 active cases. Death toll is pegged at 129.