Manila, April 24 -- The tourism-rich town of Pagsanjan will condense its annual weeklong Bangkero Festival into a single day on Saturday (April 25), in line with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s declaration of a state of national energy emergency due to the Middle East crisis.

Mayor Jan Garcia announced the change in a video message posted Friday, renaming the event "Araw ng mga Bangkero" to pay tribute amid austerity measures.

"This celebration recognizes the boatmen's invaluable contribution to our tourism industry. Their impressive skill and dexterity in maneuvering boats upstream through the wild rapids continue to amaze visitors from around the world," he said.

Activities for the boatmen-centric event include a boat race, traditio...