More than 14,000 devotees and over 700 boats joined the 182nd Libad Apung Iru Festival and the 429th town fiesta in Apalit, Pampanga on Sunday, June 28, 2026, in one of the province's biggest religious celebrations.

The annual fluvial procession, locally known as the Libad Ilug, reflects the Apaliteños' long-standing devotion to Apung Iru, or St. Peter the Apostle, and serves as a thanksgiving tradition passed down through generations.

Apalit Mayor Jun Tetangco said this year's celebration drew one of the biggest crowds in recent years.

"Isa sa pinakamarami 'yung ngayon. Grabe po 'yung dami, hindi lang sa ilog pati po sa labas na nakipamiesta po. Si Apung Iru, sobrang special sa mga Apaliteño. 'Yung iba, kahit nasa ibang bansa, uuwi kapag pista. Ganoon po 'yung faith nila," he said.

During the fluvial parade, the image of Apung Iru was transported from Barangay Capalangan to Barangay Sulipan before traveling about seven kilometers along the Pampanga River aboard a barge. The image was then brought to St. Peter the Apostle Parish in Barangay San Juan.

Rev. Fr. Melchor Sitchon, parish priest of Holy Family Parish in Apalit, explained the religious meaning behind the tradition.

"Ito ay para kay Apung Iru, ang Patron Saint ng Apalit. Bago naging apostol si St. Peter, he was a fisherman, parang tribute sa kanya kaya nag-fluvial tayo. 'Yung una 'yung libad, 'yung bukas, the procession, the feast day, the third day, ihahatid na si Apung Iru sa kanyang bahay sa Cansinala. Kaya libad, prusisyun, at panatad," he said.

For many residents, the festival is more than a town fiesta. It is a yearly expression of gratitude for blessings received and a reaffirmation of their faith and devotion to Apung Iru.

Devotees said they hope to keep the centuries-old tradition alive for future generations as long as the waters of the Pampanga River continue to flow.