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| Leyte's Turogpo Festival, known for its carabao fights, was canceled due to animal cruelty concerns. Mayor Ong Jr. replaced it with a simple program to comply with animal welfare laws. Photo: Rommel R. /Facebook |
TACLOBAN CITY – The Turogpo Festival, known for its carabao and horse fights, was canceled in the town of Carigara, Leyte, this year due to concerns about animal cruelty. The festival, which had been held annually for over 400 years, was previously canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
According to Councilor Joenlee Larraga of Carigara, while they were saddened to cancel the festival, they recognize the need to protect the welfare of animals, such as carabaos, which are considered sacred and integral to the town's tradition.
Under the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, anyone found guilty of abusing or neglecting animals may face imprisonment and fines.
Despite the cancellation of the Turogpo Festival, Carigara Mayor Eduardo Ong Jr. assured the public that a simple yet meaningful celebration, including a mass and a short program, will still be held in compliance with the Animal Welfare Act.
The Turogpo Festival, which originated from the Waray term meaning "to meet" or "to fight," was initially used as a form of protest against the Spanish colonial government. However, it has since evolved into a cultural tradition in Carigara and other parts of the Visayas region.
Meanwhile, in the town of San Joaquin, Iloilo, the Pasungay Festival, which also features bullfights, was recently held despite opposition from animal welfare groups. The festival had been suspended for several years due to animal cruelty concerns but was resumed by the local government unit earlier this year.
The Pasungay Festival, which is also a longstanding tradition in San Joaquin, has drawn criticism from animal rights advocates who argue that the practice is inhumane and unnecessary. However, supporters of the festival defend it as a cultural heritage that must be preserved and celebrated. —iTacloban