21 years after tragedy, Bocaue’s floating pagoda sets sail again

Bocaue, Bulacan launched its pagoda festival on the Bocaue River again this year, the first time since the 1993 tragedy that claimed hundreds of lives during the same festival, according to a report by Steve Dailisan on "Balitanghali."



On July 2, 1993, the floating pagoda was carrying more than 500 people when its generator exploded. The ensuing panic caused the structure to capsize and sink, according to a report by Mariz Umali on "State of the Nation." Almost 300 people drowned.

Twenty-one years later, the pagoda is back, but the tragedy has not been forgotten. Now, safety measures are in place. For one thing, the new 45-foot, three-storey pagoda is said to be sturdier than its predecessor, built after consultations with engineers and the coast guard. Also, only 200 to 250 people are allowed to ride at a time—and all of them must wear the life vests provided. Children 7 years old and below are not allowed to go on the pagoda, while those 8 to 17 years of age must be accompanied by a guardian. Smoking and alcohol are not allowed. The bangkas that accompany the pagoda also have to get permits to join the festival, to ensure their orderly participation in the procession.

"Ito ang umpisa ng aming biyaya," said one happy participant in Umali's report. With new safety precautions and with lessons learned from history, the pagoda festival has been returned to the people of Bocaue. — BM, GMA News