Value, love your family

CEBU, Philippines - The faithful were reminded to value and love their families during the Novena Mass following yesterday’s Walk with Jesus, the opening salvo of the Sinulog 2012 celebration.

Police estimated around 80,000 people joined the walk that culminated in the Novena Mass at the Basilica del Santo Niño.

In his homily, Rev. Fr. Rodolfo Bugna, Rector of the Basilica del Santo Niño, reminded the congregation of the importance of the family in the Christian way of living.

“We need to focus on the family kay importante kaayo ang pamilya,” he said.

He added that with many temptations nowadays, the Filipino family has been neglected by some, leading to problems in society.

The Filipino family, according to him, should always consider the importance of love in the family.

He said that the best way to express the gift of love to others is through selfless giving.

“Ang gugma makita sa mga buhat,” he said.

Bugna also said the problem is reflected in the high cases of common-law marriages which the Church discourages, he added that couples should acknowledge the sanctity of marriage as they plan to form their own family.

He also encouraged responsible parenthood where parents learn about life and love, adding that parents should be good examples to their children.

“Ang batasan sa mga parents are passed on to their children,” he said. 

“The family is the first and essential teacher of peace —the family is the domestic church,” he said, quoting Blessed Pope John Paul II.

Cebu City Police Office Intelligence Chief Romeo Santander estimated around 80,000 people joined the walk. Last year’s crowd was placed at around 60,000.

Santander attributed the increase to additional local tourists who want to avoid the hassle during the Sinulog rush.

Santander said their preparations are already in place, they are just waiting for additional manpower from the Police Regional Office–7.

Aside from additional police augmentation, CCPO has also tapped private groups, including fraternities, to serve as their additional force multipliers.

CCPO Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe is set to meet with volunteers on Sunday at the Aznar Coliseum to discuss their policies, assignments and other plans in relation to the Sinulog festivities.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Provincial Police Office is set to intensify checkpoints and police visibility in metro areas during the Sinulog celebration.

“Even if wala sa probinsiya ang event dili lang gyud mi mukumpiyansa, focus mi sa metro areas,” Cebu Provincial Police Office Sr. Supt. Patrocinio Comendador said.

When asked if they will send personnel to augment CCPO during the Sinulog, he claimed that they are just waiting for a request from the office.

He added that a team from the Provincial Public Safety Company is ready anytime.

“So far wala pa man mi nag-conference regarding sa security nagpaabot lang mi,” the provincial director said. (FREEMAN)