Kapampangans pay homage to 'Apung Iru'

Monday 2nd of July 2012

APALIT, Pampanga, July 2 (PIA) -- Devotees of St. Peter the Apostle, more known to the locals as “Apung Iru,” flock to the Pampanga River to honor and pay homage to the revered patron saint of Apalit every June 28.

The town’s three-day festivities marked by the grandiose fluvial parade commonly known as “Libad” begins with what the locals call “Pamandakit” wherein the image of Apung Iru is picked up from its shrine in Calapangan and brought to the Apalit Church by float or “pagoda” escorted by devout supporters.

Apalit parish priest Rolando Lopez said during the blessing of the new pagoda, “St. Peter was chosen by God to unite men and women. Simon Peter, who was once a fisherman, became fisher of men. He is a symbol of unity.”

The provincial government of Pampanga led by Governor Lilia Pineda also joined the devotees as they traversed the Pampanga River amidst pouring rain.

Not only townsfolk of Apalit, but also tourists from different parts of the country and from abroad came together to honor Apung Iru in this event. People shared their food, water, and whatever they had in their boats as they traveled the same path for the libad.

Tourists Liam Nolan and Derick de Lacey, of Ireland, handed food and water to other devotees as their barge joined the floats and motorized bancas.

Meanwhile, Pineda gave a brief message to the Apaliteños prior to the libad, “Praying to your patron saint Apung Iru is very significant.
He has always been miraculous, but we must also do our part. As Kapampangans, as Filipinos, we owe it to ourselves and to the future generations to ensure that the Pampanga River will always serve as a symbol of life, livelihood and more importantly a symbol of our unity. Let us be responsible citizens and stop the defiling and polluting our Pampanga River.”

For the Kapampangans, Pampanga River had always been a source of livelihood. It was once bustling with fishermen and tradesmen offering goods and produce from neighboring towns. It would indeed be great news if Pampanga River was restored to its former beauty.

Archbishop Paciano Aniceto once said, ““Kapampangan” came from the word 'pampang (riverside).' We were conceived from the water, were borne from the water. We must value water, because water is life.”

The annual event was culminated by the ritual “Pamanatad,” wherein Apung Iru is brought back to its shrine in Calapangan. People gathered at sidewalks and eagerly waited for the return of Apung Iru as they sang songs of praise and gratitude for their beloved patron saint. (CLJD with reports from Angelique D.C. Tuazon, PIO Pampanga)