Devotee City opens today

CEBU, Philippines - Hundreds of devotees from other provinces are expected to flock today to the Devotee City at the grounds of Compania Maritima in Barangay Ermita.

Devotee City Chairman Roberto Cabarrubias said that six policemen were assigned to secure the area. There are also barangay tanods deployed in the area to help in the security.

"This project aims to provide free accommodation sa mga devotees ni Sto. Niño from different provinces. This was conceptualized before kay daghang mangatulog sa kadalanan if wala silay kapuy-an," he said.

At least 120 container vans were installed at the 2,754-square meter area at the Compania Maritima compound. It can accommodate at least 3,000 pilgrims. The city government has disbursed P1.3 million to establish the temporary shelter for devotees.  Cabarrubias said the Devotee City will start accepting devotees today. They are allowed to stay until Monday afternoon. It was in 1995 when the city officials started the Devotee City, which was then a tent city.

Like in the previous years, he said the city will prioritize devotees from beyond Danao City in the north, Carcar City in the south, and from other provinces outside Cebu.

To avail of the free accommodation, Cabarrubias said that the devotees should present a bus or boat ticket upon registration so that they will be given identification card and a van to stay.

Also, he said the city government will provide basic services which include portable toilets, dirty kitchen, shower rooms, water and electricity supply, among others. The Capitol will also provide services to the pilgrims. There will be nightly presentations at the area.

Cabarrubias thanked the sponsors that helped the city government in establishing the Devotee City. (FREEMAN)