Two major provincial festivals in the Bicol region have been cancelled amid rising global fuel prices. The 2026 Magayon Festival in Albay and the Bantayog Festival in Camarines Norte will not push through this year, provincial information offices reported.

The provincial government of Albay has cancelled the 2026 Magayon Festival and redirected more than P20 million in funds to programs assisting residents as officials prepare for possible economic pressure from rising global oil prices, the provincial information office said Wednesday, March 18.

In a report by the Albay Provincial Information Office (PIO), the funds intended originally for the annual festival will instead be used for recovery, assistance, and resilience-building programs across the province.

The move aims to help Albayanos cope with economic and environmental challenges affecting the province, it added.

Albay Governor Noel Ebriega Rosal said the cancellation of the festival was a strategic move to cushion the province from potential impacts of global and local crises.

The report added that the provincial government is anticipating possible economic effects from the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which may affect fuel prices, supply chains, and overall stability.

Rosal also cited the continuing activity of Mayon Volcano as a major concern affecting communities, livelihoods, and local resources, the report said.

Redirecting public funds is seen as a more prudent approach to directly support affected residents, it added.

More than P20 million will be used for recovery, assistance, and resilience-building programs across Albay, according to the provincial information office.

The decision to cancel the festival and redirect the funds was reached collectively with various provincial departments and members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan reportedly.

The festival was also cancelled in 2025, to comply with COMELEC rules barring government spending and activities that could influence voters during the midterm elections.

At the time, the provincial tourism office said the decision followed the 45-day no-disbursement period, which prevented offering incentives to encourage participation.

Instead, the government reportedly focused on improving local tourist sites and supporting tourism promotion efforts for both domestic and international visitors.

BANTAYOG FESTIVAL

The provincial government of Camarines Norte also cancelled the 2026 Bantayog Festival due to rising oil prices, global unrest, and expected increases in the cost of living, the Camarines Norte Provincial Information Office said Thursday, March 19.

The report said the decision aims to save funds and redirect them toward livelihood programs and other initiatives that benefit residents across the province.

In a document signed by Acting Governor Joseph V. Ascutia, the move reflects the government’s effort to prioritize the welfare of Camnorteños amid economic uncertainty.

The statement added that the funds saved from the festival will support programs designed to help local communities cope with the economic challenges caused by global and national crises.

“Sa panahong ito, ang tunay na diwa ng kabayanihan ay makikita sa ating pagkakaisa, pagtutulungan, at sakripisyong sama-samang haharap sa mga pagsubok para sa ikabubuti ng lahat,” it said.

PINANGAT FESTIVAL POSTPONED

Meanwhile, the municipality of Camalig in Albay also postponed the Pinangat Festival 2026 due to volcanic activity and public safety concerns.

In Executive Order No. 13 issued on March 18, Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr. ordered the postponement of the festival, which was scheduled originally in June 2026.

The order cited the ongoing unrest of Mayon Volcano, which remains under Alert Level 3, indicating magmatic activity and possible hazardous events such as lava flows and pyroclastic density currents.

Camalig is currently under a state of calamity due to the escalating volcanic threat, according to the executive order.

The order also suspended temporarily all preparatory activities related to the festival and required permits for barangay and private socio-civic gatherings in the municipality while authorities continue to monitor the situation.