Joint Operations Center activated for Peñafrancia Festival 2024

CEPPIO Naga — Thu, 15 Aug 2024 02:04:32 +0000

THE Joint Operations Center was formally activated on Monday, August 12, to ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration of the Peñafrancia fiesta in September, honoring the Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, the patroness of Bicolandia.

The activation followed a workshop with representatives from at least 30 organizations and institutions, who collaborated to outline their tasks and responsibilities for the event.

The organizations were grouped into eight task groups: Public Safety, Traffic Management and Enforcement, Health and Medical, Utilities, Fluvial Procession, Security and Peace and Order, Public Information, Emergency Preparedness and Response, and Emergency Joint Task Group. These groups will coordinate efforts to manage the large crowds expected during the festivities.

The workshop concluded with the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Catholic Church and the Naga City Local Government Unit, represented by Most Reverend Rex Andrew Alarcon, D.D., Archbishop of Caceres, and Mayor Nelson Legacion. The agreement detailed the duties and responsibilities of each task group, ensuring a unified approach to the celebration.

This year’s fiesta is particularly significant as it marks the 100th year of the canonical coronation of the patron saint, promising an even more festive and colorful celebration. The Peñafrancia Fiesta is one of the largest Marian festivals in the world, drawing over a million devotees, pilgrims, tourists, and guests to the city annually.

Archbishop Alarcon praised the collaborative efforts of the organizations, stating, “We are like brothers and sisters who are very willing to serve to ensure the safety and security of our visitors who come to celebrate this important occasion with us.”

Mayor Legacion expressed confidence in the expertise and commitment of the task groups, emphasizing their vital role in the success of both religious and civic events.

Executive Director Renne Gumba of the LGU’s Public Safety Office highlighted the participation of around 3,500 personnel from various agencies, including the Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection, Maritime Police, Office of Civil Defense, radio communications groups, private and government media, doctors and other health personnel, and the Philippine Army. Their combined efforts are expected to create a secure and memorable experience for all attendees.

The Peñafrancia Fiesta 2024 is poised to be an extraordinary celebration, reflecting Naga City’s rich heritage and the dedication of its people.

1,500 police force

Police Colonel Erwin Rebellon, the city director of the Naga City Police Office (NCPO), has formally requested an augmentation force of 1,500 personnel from the Police Regional Office 5 (PRO5) to bolster security during the city’s upcoming fiesta.

Rebellon highlighted the necessity of the additional manpower, citing the extensive civic and religious events that require police presence and assistance. The NCPO is leading the Task Group Security and Peace and Order, which is responsible for ensuring the safety of the city’s residents and visitors throughout the festivities.

Under the security cluster, the NCPO is also tasked with safeguarding national government officials and VIPs who will be attending the celebrations.

In response, Police Brigadier General Andre Dizon, regional director of PRO5, assured that his office is ready to deploy even up to 2,000 police personnel to the city to maintain peace and order.

The augmentation force will not only enhance police visibility but will also assist in supervising traffic and providing security in malls and other public areas. Rebellon noted that plainclothes officers will also be deployed to mingle with the public and monitor potential incidents in crowded areas.

“We will also be deploying plainclothesmen who will walk and ride in passenger vehicles along with ordinary people so that we can be able to penetrate large crowds and take the necessary course of action if permitted by an incident or situation,” Rebellon said.

The request for additional personnel underscores the city’s commitment to ensuring a safe and orderly celebration of the fiesta, which is expected to draw large crowds from across the region and abroad.

‘Just near you’

Regional Director Claudio Yucot of the Office of Civil Defense in Bicol said that he is praying for the success of every mandated task that the task groups need to perform.

He mentioned that although his office and employees may not be directly involved in outlining the tasks and responsibilities of the task groups, the Joint Operation Center can rest assured of their support and assistance, as the OCD’s presence is always nearby.

He explained that in planned events like the fiesta, the OCD usually remains on the sidelines. However, if something happens and mass destruction occurs, “we will jump into the picture,” meaning the OCD will become actively involved in the situation.

Some key steps the OCD would likely follow:

Immediate Response and Coordination: The OCD would activate emergency response protocols and coordinate with local government units, the military, police, and other relevant agencies to ensure a swift and organized response.
Assessment and Containment: They would assess the extent of the damage and the type of threat (e.g., chemical, biological, radiological, nuclear, or explosive). Containment measures would be implemented to prevent further harm.
Public Safety and Evacuation: Ensuring public safety would be a top priority. This could involve issuing evacuation orders, setting up shelters, and providing medical assistance to those affected.
Communication and Information Dissemination: The OCD would keep the public informed through regular updates, providing instructions on safety measures and emergency procedures.
Resource Mobilization: They would mobilize resources, including medical supplies, food, water, and other necessities, to support affected communities.
Recovery and Rehabilitation: After the immediate threat is contained, the OCD would focus on recovery efforts, including rebuilding infrastructure, providing psychological support, and restoring normalcy to the affected areas.
Investigation and Prevention: Finally, they would work with law enforcement and intelligence agencies to investigate the incident, identify those responsible, and implement measures to prevent future occurrences.

Jason Neola, CEPPIO.

Executive Order for the upcoming Peñafrancia Festival 2024, signed by Mayor Legacion

CEPPIO Naga — Thu, 04 Apr 2024 04:48:56 +0000

In preparation for the upcoming Centenary Celebration of the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia this September, Mayor Nelson Legacion formally signed Executive Order No. 2024-007 yesterday, March 7, 2024. The Executive Order mandates the establishment of committees and support groups, along with the appointment of dedicated chairpersons, to ensure the seamless execution of the Peñafrancia Festival. This directive comes at a pivotal time as the Pilgrim City prepares for the grand celebration of the Canonical Coronation of our Beloved Ina.

As per the usual Executive Orders of the past, two main groups are being created under Executive Order 2024-007: the Event Committees and the Support Services. According to Section 3 of the order, “the Event Committee shall be responsible for organizing, coordinating, and ensuring the successful execution of the festival events.” The respective chairpersons for these committees are as follows:

Miss Bicolandia Beauty Pageant Committee – Hon. Jose Rañola, M. D.
Inter High School CAT/DRRM Marching Competition Committee – Hon. Salvador Del Castillo
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts Parade and DXMC and Inter-School Mass Dance Competition Committee – Hon. Joselito del Rosario
Civic and Float Parade Committee – City Administrator Elmer Baldemoro
Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival Committee – Hon. Jose Perez
Bicol Regional Military Parade Committee – Hon. Ramon Melvin Buenafe
Tagboan Arts, Music and Gastronomy Festival – CEPPIO Department Head, Allen Reondanga

The Support Services group will be tasked with providing technical support before, during, and after the Peñafrancia Festival. These tasks include, but are not limited to, the maintenance of the cleanliness of the city, creation and fortification of festival structures, public information dissemination, marketing, and promotions, management of trade events and vending services, management of health and safety protocols, security, and many more. For a complete and comprehensive list of the standing committees, you may refer to the copy of the Executive Order attached below. Due to the nature of the upcoming celebration, the Executive Order mandates all heads of departments and offices within the City Government to be included in the various committees and ensure that all hands are on deck for this momentous occasion.

It has been almost 100 years since the Canonical Coronation of Our Lady of Peñafrancia as Queen and Patroness of Bicolandia. In 1924, Ina was crowned by the Apostolic Delegate, Most Rev. Guiglelmo Piani, DD, at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. And now, as we approach the Centenary Celebration, we look back on those 100 years and the more than 300 years of devotion to Our Ina, under the theme of Se Siempre La Reina – Pamanang Banal: Atamanon, Padanayon, Palakupon.

Written by Agnete Jonathan Noble (CEPPIO).

Peñafrancia Festival 2024 – CITY OF NAGA

Joint Operations Center activated for Peñafrancia Festival 2024

1,500 police force

‘Just near you’

Executive Order for the upcoming Peñafrancia Festival 2024, signed by Mayor Legacion