As part of the 2026 Tinagba Festival, the City Government of Iriga, the University of Saint Anthony (USANT), and the Archdiocese of Caceres signed a tripartite Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) on February 10 at the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto. The signing took place after the 9th day of the novena Mass offered in honor of Our Lady of Lourdes. USANT, the registered owner of the land where the Grotto stands, joined the agreement to formalize its use for public homage and religious activities.
Mayor Rex C. Oliva, Atty. Emmanuel “Mickey” Ortega, and Most Rev. Andrew C. Alarcon, DD signed the MOA, with oversight from the Archbishop through the Parish Priest of St. Anthony of Padua Parish. The Grotto, a recognized cultural and religious landmark in Iriga City, is traditionally associated with Marian devotion.
The agreement ensures the Grotto’s care and preservation and strengthens its role as a sacred space for reflection, prayer, and devotion. Residents and visitors can now honor Our Lady of Lourdes while participating in spiritual activities as part of the city’s Tinagba Festival.
This partnership highlights the essence of Tinagba 2026 — faith, culture, and community coming together — with the Our Lady of Lourdes Grotto as a cherished space for devotion and thanksgiving for generations of Irigueños.
Source: Lungsod Ng Iriga