Costas echoes call to move Holy Week festivities in Bantayan to Easter Sunday

COSTAS

FOR several decades, local and foreign tourists flock to Bantayan Island in northern Cebu to witness the festivities held during the Holy Week.

But Provincial Tourism Officer Joselito “Boboi” Costas said he supported the idea of Gov. Hilario Davide III and Vice Governor Agnes Magpale to move the festivities to Easter Sunday instead of Good Friday because this can lead to misconception that the locals are celebrating fiesta during the Holy Week.

“There’s always a better time to hold those things, why during the Holy Week man gyud,” Costas said.

“In the case of Bantayan, it’s supposed to be a week of spirituality, fasting and religious observance. But I think it is also proper and appropriate that tourists should respect the observance of their tradition,” Costas said.

“Some things can be legally correct but morally wrong. I think it’s a matter of perspectives but personally, we should respect,” he said.

In light of the Isla Music Festival scheduled during the Holy Week from April 12 to 15 in Sta. Fe town in Bantayan, Costas urged everyone to promote and practice responsible tourism.

“Responsible tourism is actually respecting the host community’s culture and tradition,” he said.

Costas explained that their office can assist in the activities if the local government units involved requested them to do so.

“If you ask us, the Provincial Tourism Office, maka-assist man mi, maka-coordinate man mi when it comes to these things. But first they should tell us exactly unsay tabangan namo,” he said.