By Jay B. Laurino Participants take part in the Buhusan Festival in Lucban last year, a tradition affected by the suspension of Easter activ...
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| Participants take part in the Buhusan Festival in Lucban last year, a tradition affected by the suspension of Easter activities. (Radical Events and Digital Media ) |
TAYABAS CITY, Quezon - A national energy shortage is prompting several towns across Quezon Province to cancel or scale down their Easter Sunday activities. Municipal governments are adjusting local programs to help reduce electricity use during this critical period.
Holy Week traditions in the province usually draw large crowds and involve community-wide celebrations that rely on lighting, sound systems, and public funding. This year’s changes are reshaping how these long-standing practices are observed across different towns.
Lucban was the first to suspend its Buhusan Festival, a well-known Easter Sunday tradition that draws large crowds each year. The cancellation reflects early action to limit large gatherings and government-funded events that require higher electricity use.
The move in Lucban set a clear example for nearby areas, where similar festivities are part of local identity and seasonal tourism. Neighboring towns began reviewing their own schedules and planned activities in response.
Tayabas City followed by calling off its planned Easter activities, including Tayabasaan 2026, which was set to be supported by public funds. The change forms part of a wider effort to save electricity while ensuring essential services continue.
In Lopez, several public celebrations have also been suspended as part of the same response to the national situation. The move extends beyond Easter-related activities and reflects a broader adjustment in how local programs are being managed.
Executive Order No. 110 issued by Ferdinand Marcos Jr. declared a “state of national energy emergency” across the country. The order calls for saving electricity across all sectors, including adjustments to local government activities and programs.
Across communities, residents are beginning to adapt by focusing on smaller, neighborhood-based observances instead of large public gatherings. The changes highlight a balance between preserving tradition and responding to current national concerns.
Despite the suspension of organized events, local traditions such as “pambubuhos” or “pambabasa” may still continue in a limited and community-based manner. Residents are expected to carry out these activities with care to avoid inconvenience or discomfort among others.
More towns across the province are expected to review their scheduled activities as the situation develops and energy-saving measures remain in place. Adjustments may continue in the coming days as communities balance tradition with the need to conserve resources.
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