More than 1,000 Catholic devotees participated in the inaugural fluvial parade, “Libad Apu Sto. Cristo,” which marked the opening of the Sampaguita Festival 2026 in Lubao town, Pampanga.
New Religious and Cultural Tradition
The municipal government announced that this event is the first fluvial procession held in the town in honor of Apu Sto. Cristo, establishing a new religious and cultural tradition for the community.
Key Officials Lead the Procession
The activity was led by Former President and Pampanga Second District Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, Mayor Esmie Pineda, Sasmuan Mayor Catalina Cabrera, former Santa Rita Mayor Yolly Pineda, and other local officials.
Fluvial Parade Details
The image of Apu Sto. Cristo was placed on a boat and paraded along a two-kilometer stretch of the Porac-Gumain River, from the Bamboo Hub to Dalan Bapor. More than 30 boats participated, with hundreds of devotees lining the riverbanks to witness the event.
Symbolic Activities for Peace and Prosperity
The local government reported that symbolic activities were conducted, including the release of doves and fingerlings into the river, representing peace and prosperity for the community.
Religious Significance
Parish priest Jess Manabat explained that the image of Apu Sto. Cristo was originally found in water, making the fluvial parade a "meaningful return to the devotion’s origins and a way to deepen faith among devotees." This connection highlights the spiritual importance of the event for the Catholic community in Lubao.
