Fiestas on Hold: Festivals Facing Uncertain Futures

From Aliwan to Magayon, LGUs cancel major cultural events as the state of national energy emergency forces a pivot to essential subsidies.

Several local governments are canceling or postponing festivals and public events as rising fuel prices and supply concerns force communities to prioritize essential services over celebrations.

In Sariaya, Quezon, local officials suspended sports leagues and tournaments in a bid to reduce electricity and fuel consumption in public facilities. Similar measures are being adopted in other areas, including postponing or canceling barangay-level fiestas and gatherings.

Major festivals such as the Lang-ay Festival (Mountain Province), Hudyaka Festival (Biliran), and Magayon Festival (Albay) have also been affected, alongside other events that require large-scale logistics, transport, and energy use to push through. In Albay, officials cited global economic uncertainty and continuing Mayon Volcano unrest, alongside rising oil prices, as key reasons for cancelling the Magayon Festival and reallocating its budget to priority programs.

Aliwan Fiesta: The “Festival of Festivals” goes dark

The impact has also reached national-scale events, with Aliwan Fiesta cancelled for the second consecutive year, this time due to rising fuel prices that have driven up travel and logistics costs for participating groups. Event organizer MBC Media Group said financial strain on contingents from across the country made it increasingly difficult to prepare for the annual gathering, as higher fuel costs affected transport, accommodations, and production requirements.

Aliwan Fiesta, held annually since 2003, is known as a showcase of Philippine festivals, bringing together hundreds of local performing groups for street dance competitions, floats, and pageants. This year’s event was scheduled in Pasay City from May 7 to May 9.

With fiestas costing fuel for powering stage setups and logistics, LGUs are redirecting funds and conserving energy for more urgent needs, including subsidies for public transport groups, food suppliers, and medical assistance.

The directive follows Malacañang’s declaration of a state of national energy emergency late last month after the Middle East crisis pushed diesel prices to around ₱170 per liter.

With reports from Kiara Gorrospe.

₱170/liter diesel forces the cancellation of Aliwan Fiesta and Magayon Festival. LGUs pivot from celebrations to energy conservation under the 2026 national emergency.