Residents of Lucena City celebrated the Pasayahan Festival 2024, showcasing their resilience, undeterred by the devastation caused by Typhoon Aghon.

The festival featured large, colorful floats, festival queens representing various Philippine fiestas, dancing giants, and street performers.

The decision to proceed with the festival came after numerous meetings by the local government unit (LGU) and the Incident Management Team led by the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC).

"We have to see to it that everything is in place, then let us proceed... para naman maibsan ng kahit kaunti ang inyong na-experience na hindi maganda," Arween Flores, City Tourism Officer, said.

The grand float parade saw over eight floats from various private agencies and establishments.

Flores said despite the hardships and flooding caused by Typhoon Aghon, the Pasayahan Festival symbolized the resilience of the Lucenahins, helping them rise above the calamity.

"Lahat naman ng dapat i-address, mga tulong sa mga nasalanta ay nagawa promptly, immediately. In place naman ang lahat, sabihin natin na Lucenahins are resilient, bawi kaagad tayo," he said.

Lucena City remains under a state of calamity, with thousands of residents still affected by Typhoon Aghon’s aftermath as of this writing.