A centuries-old Catholic rite kicked off Laguna province’s annual thanksgiving festivity, incorporating deep devotion to the Virgin Mary and efforts to save Laguna de Bay. Rosauro Sta. Maria, Laguna tourism officer, said it was also the first time the province included religious heritage in the festival aimed at promoting local trade and talent. In recent years, the Diocese of San Pablo organized the Lakbay Lawa, a fluvial campaign for the rehabilitation and protection of the Laguna de Bay, the largest inland body of water in the Philippines.

Cinco, M. (2017, March 7). Religious heritage, lake conservation take center stage in Laguna Festival. Philippine Daily Inquirer, p. A8.