CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Thousands of tourists flocked to Camiguin Island for the Holy Week where the province’s Panaad (Pledge of Walk) is observed across the island.
Camiguin Island, a tiny island off Misamis Oriental and just 50 kilometers South of Bohol island, is one of the most visited island provinces in the Philippines drawing close to a million tourists annually.
The “Pledge of Walk,” or Panaad, covers a 64-kilometer stretch around the island and is often begun by pilgrims on the night of Maundy Thursday, according to Candice Naomi Dael, Camiguin provincial tourism officer.
The pilgrimage ends with a journey to Barangay Bonbon, Catarman. Pilgrims climb Mount Vulcan stairs, where life-size statues of Christ represent the Stations of the Cross.
Dael said that most pilgrims and tourists start their walk at night to avoid the heat of the sun.
“Some go by groups, others are alone, and the residents and locals here provide them with water and food,” Dael said.
The Station of the Cross is a devotion that involves saying 14 prayers in front of a line-up of 14 carvings or drawings that depict various moments during Jesus’ journey from Pilate’s home to Calvary.
In Mambajao, the province’s capital town, thousands have lined up the streets and even thousand more joined the Santo Entierro procession.
The tourism office reported that even on Thursday, visitors and devotees continued to flock to Benoni Port, Guinsiliban Port, and other points of entry in the province for Panaad.
“Public assistance booths have been set up along the Camiguin Circumferential Road for devotees and tourists who plan to journey towards the Walkway to the Old Volcano and around the island by foot,” Dael added.
“Feel free to drop by these booths for queries and other concerns. Have a safe and meaningful Panaad,” Dael added.
Camiguin Tourism Office also urged tourists not to miss the chance to take home a piece of Camiguin by getting their hands on the official “Camiguin Isle Be There” merchandise.
The tourism office set up an assistance booth in Poblacion, Mambajao (Across LTO), Mantigue Island, Sto. Niño Cold Spring, Soda Water Pool, and Tuasan Falls.
