By Vincent P. Grecia
The municipality of Jordan, Guimaras is all set for the return of “Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid” this
Lenten season.
The said Lenten attraction was suspended for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a radio interview, Jordan Mayor Cresente Chavez said different committees were formed to ensure
the successful holding of “Pagtaltal” this year.
“The Municipality of Jordan and the Province of Guimaras is ready to welcome visitors this Holy
Week,” Chavez said.
Prior to the pandemic, thousands troop to Guimaras every year to witness and experience the
commemoration of the passion, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in Jordan and in Balaan Bukid.
Chavez said preparations are also set to ensure the safety and security of visitors. Force multipliers
were tapped to help the Philippine National Police.
Chavez said visitors and guests should expect an exciting and meaningful presentation as the cast and
the production team of the “Pagtaltal” have made the necessary preparations.
On its 14th Year as a Street Play (11 years on its staging), Ang Pagtaltal Sa Bala-an Bukid will be
held on April 7, 2023, Good Friday, 12:00 noon to 3:00 p.m. from the Smallest Plaza in Poblacion,
Jordan up to the Bala-an Bukid Shrine.
The mayor added that proper coordination was also made with the Iloilo City government to ensure
the smooth flow of passengers at the Parola Wharf.
Meanwhile, the provincial government of Guimaras announced that aside from “Pagtaltal sa Balaan
Bukid” pilgrims may also join and witness other Lenten celebrations in other towns.
Dubbed as Semana Santa sa Isla the province integrated the Lenten celebration across the three
municipalities in Guimaras– Ang “Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid’ in Jordan (Good Friday), the Worship
Festival in the municipality of Buenavista and “Pamalandong sa Tamborong” in San Lorenzo,
Guimaras.
“The observance of the Semana Santa (Holy Week) is an important tradition embedded in the culture
of Filipinos as it serves as the culmination our Christian lives and the ultimate symbol of love and
sacrifice.
We welcome all pilgrims from all walks of faith to pray and partake in the remembering of the loving
sacrifice of Jesus as our Savior,” the provincial government announced.
The late Aquilino ‘Quiling’ Secusana of Poblacion Jordan was the founder of “Ang Pagtaltal sa
Jordan” which started in the year 1975.
The title was changed to “Ang Pagtaltal sa Guimaras” during the time of former Governor Emily
Relucio Lopez until Guimaras became a province in 1992.
The event became “Ang Pagtaltal sa Balaan Bukid” in 2009 based on the conceptualization of event
organizer Henry Geonanga Babiera.
Arturo Segubre first played the role of Jesus Christ which lasted for 20 years. Gerardo Anam Robles
also played Jesus Christ for several years until the street play was suspended in the year 2020 due to
the pandemic.
