Vizcaya religious group holds lechon fest today

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines – It’s all systems go for today’s annual lechon (roasted pig) festival here.

Hundreds of devotees of a local religious-cum-environment group, Vucal ng Pananampalataya, as well as other residents are again expected to gather at a scenic mountain village in Barangay Bonfal East here for the annual festivity.

Now on its sixth year, the event highlights the offering of at least 50 roasted pigs, which will later be shared by the group’s members as well as guests and residents from all over the province, at the Señora Falls where the group’s mission center is based.

Josue de Guia, known as Couya (Kuya) Tal, head of the religious group, said the event also marks the 81st birth anniversary of their late father Dominador de Guia, the group’s spiritual leader.

Believed to possess curing powers during his lifetime, Couya Doming was among the group’s founders more than 50 years ago, causing them later to migrate “through God’s will” to this landlocked province.

The young De Guia said their group is not a cult and that they have been holding the festivity as an annual spiritual obligation where everyone, including non-members, renews their friendship and unity.

The gathering, he said, would allow visitors to catch a glimpse of the Señora Falls located within a 500-hectare area, which the group is now turning into “ecotourism wonderland.”

Having some 5,000 members across Luzon, the group, known for their adherence to environmental conservation, has been occupying the area as its mission center through a stewardship agreement with the government.