Sturdier pagoda to sail on 2nd year of revived Bocaue tradition

Local authorities in Bocaue, Bulacan said a sturdier pagoda has been constructed for the second year of the revival of the annual Pagoda festival, with extra precautions on the number of devotees it will carry.

 

A report on GMA News' Unang Balita on Friday said the crown-shaped pagoda is about 50 feet tall and made of metal.

 

Authorities consulted with engineers on what material to use to make it safe, it added.

 

A separate report on GMA News TV's News To Go said work is still ongoing to make it sturdier for use at the start of the novenario on Friday until the feast day on July 5.

 

The pagoda can carry up to 250 people, but authorities said they will only accommodate 200 devotees, the News to Go report added.

 

The report also said those devotees will have to register with the parish first. They will be issued life vests that they must wear during the procession at the river.

 

The rescue boats and teams from the police and local government will also be deployed.

 

This is the second year of the Pagoda Festival revival at the Bocaue River, more than 20 years after the tragedy that claimed hundreds of lives. 
 

On July 2, 1993, the floating pagoda was carrying 750 people when it capsized and sank because of panic when its generator exploded, a previous GMA News TV Balitanghali report said. 

 

For 21 years, devotees resorted to praying at the river in smaller boats. 

 

The festival was revived last year. — Rose-An Jessica Dioquino/RSJ, GMA News