MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon - The provincial government of Bukidnon has canceled the annual celebration of the Kaamulan Festival here amid threats of the spread of COVID-19.

Activities for the festival are supposed to start next month and 18 out of 22 municipalities and cities in the province are already preparing.

The street dance competition that highlights the seven hill tribes of Bukidnon usually draws tourists to the festival.

"We cannot deny that Kaamulan is really a huge gathering," said Jay Albarece, Bukidnon Provincial Administrator.

Albarece said Gov. Jose Maria Zubiri Jr. is only after the safety of everyone.

In a memorandum, Zubiri cited the recommendations of the Department of Health (DOH) that urged the public to avoid attending, participating in, and organizing events that may draw large crowds amid the ongoing threat of the coronavirus.

Zubiri also ordered mayors and barangay chiefs to cancel all public events and gathering.