City takes role in IEC

CEBU, Philippines - Leaders of  the Archdiocese of Cebu and the Cebu City government have started defining its roles in hosting the 51st International Eucharistic Congress in 2016.

Mayor Michael Rama, in an interactive forum with media leaders at City Hall yesterday, disclosed that he met with Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma last Monday and talked on the city's role in the upcoming huge religious event.

"We're not just in the sidelights here. Practically, clear ang part sa Cebu City sa IEC, indivisible ang atong participation ani," Rama said.

He said that among others, the Cebu City government is the one responsible in manning the traffic and clearing the roads from the anticipated traffic jam on that day.

On a larger scale, Rama further said that the city will also be involved in the event in the aspect of arts, culture and tourism.

Another big international event the city will be hosting next year is the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC).

The Ocular Team of the Office of the Director-General of 2015 APEC National Organizing Committee is scheduled to pay a courtesy call to Rama today.

Ambassador Marciano Paynor, Jr. said the team aims to delve into more particular issues of the hosting to synchronize the national objectives with that of the local government units.

Ambassador Ma. Angelina Sta. Catalina, Deputy Director-General for Conference Management and Services, will head the team accompanied by the heads of working committees tasked with the managements of all APEC meetings.

Meanwhile, the Archdiocese of Cebu has recently had a reshuffling of parish priests whose terms ending and new assignments given.

Episcopal Vicar Monsignor Esteban Binghay said the reassignment has started as early as December of 2013 but has not completely been implemented.

"Nagsugod ni adtong December pa. Pero wala pa nahuman hangtud karon.

Daghan pa man gud nag agdon," Msgr. Binghay said.

He added that his district in the South, for example, reshuffling has not been fully executed.

The new parish priest of Langtad, Minglanilla is Fr. Edgar Quilo replacing Fr. Florino Tonde.

Father Orly Ruiz replaced Fr. Melchor Urgel in Naga City.

Inayagan Parish in Naga has its new parish priest, Fr. Frumencio Mahusay, replacing Fr. Butch Senoron who is now in Sto. Rosario Parish in Cebu City.

Fr. Fritz Malinao is the new parish priest of Poblacion, Minglanilla Parish, replacing Fr. Jojo Deligero.

Pardo, Cebu City has its new parish priest, Monsignor Raul Go, replacing Fr. Hisoler.

Monsignor Trinidad Silva is the new parish priest of Tabunok, Talisay, replacing Msgr. Ruben Labajo.

San Nicolas, Cebu City has Monsignor Adelito Abella as its new parish priest.

Fr. Lucas Enoc is the assigned in upland Buhisan Parish in Cebu City replacing Fr. Vicente Dayao who is now in Naga.

The new parish priest of San Isidro, Talisay is Fr. Lito Mier./GMR (FREEMAN)