Display of faith

CEBU, Philippines — In a remarkable display of faith and resilience, an estimated 1.4 million Cebuanos and devotees of Sto. Niño de Cebu participated in the solemn foot procession yesteday afternoon, showcasing their unwavering devotion before the feast day today.

The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CCDRMO) released an estimate yesterday showing an increase in participation in this year's foot procession compared to last year's figure of 1.1 million.

City disaster chief Aderson Comar revealed to The Freeman that at least 160 participants needed medical attention due to dizziness and unconsciousness, citing discomfort and exhaustion caused by lack of food intake, heat, and limited breathing space.

City Councilor Joel Garganera, who oversees security for this year's Sinulog, noted that the procession set a record in terms of duration. The image of Sto. Niño was out at 1 p.m. and returned to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño at around 3:30 p.m., following a six-kilometer route.

“It was record breaking, the pace was really fast,” Garganera noted.

The procession began at the Basilica and proceeded along Osmeña Boulevard, then passed through General Maxilom Avenue to Imus Avenue, turned left onto MJ Cuenco Avenue, and then returned to Osmeña Boulevard before heading back to the Basilica for a solemn vespers mass.

According to reports, due to the warm weather, some participants rushed to reach the Basilica, and many sought assistance at first aid stations.

Most of those needing help were ROTC/NSTP members managing crowd control, who were exposed to the heat for extended periods.

However, no serious complaints were reported, with most cases involving dizziness, dehydration, nausea, and high blood pressure.

Given the limited space at the Basilica complex, some participants did not join the mass and instead attended the service at the Cebu Cathedral.

“Perhaps because it’s really warm, nagdali ug abot… Daghan sad na abot sa atong mga first aid station, but mostly atong mga ROTC/NSTP nga crowd control. Very early man gyud sila gilatad unya init kaayo. But walay serious complaints, dizziness, dehydration, nausea, high blood pressure,” Garganera said.

In preparation for today's Sinulog grand parade, Comar advised everyone to be ready for a long walk as many roads will be closed to traffic.

Some roads leading to the Cebu City Sports Center will be used as standby areas for the competing contingents and their props and floats.

Comar also reminded everyone to stay hydrated and be mindful of their food intake to avoid any untoward incidents. Over 40 first aid stations have been set up along the parade route, similar to those during the foot procession, to ensure all bases are covered.

Spirit of unity

Most Rev. Ruben Labajo, Archbishop of the Diocese of Prosperidad, highlighted the spirit of unity among devotees during the vespers mass as the solemn foot procession concluded.

Quoting an African proverb, "If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together," Bishop Labajo underscored the essence of the "synodal church."

"The traditional practice of procession, from a Catholic perspective, is a symbolic forward movement that characterizes our nature as a pilgrim church," said Bishop Labajo.

The bishop added that the procession embodies patience and perseverance, with the ultimate goal of reaching both an earthly destination and eternal life in heaven.

"We march forward, believing that God accompanies us to reach our destination, trusting that He never disappoints us," the bishop shared.

Fluvial procession

The fluvial procession for the 460th Fiesta Señor and Sinulog Festival 2025 was generally safe, with no major incidents reported among the 8,000 individuals on over 300 vessels.

However, some minor incidents and unfavorable occurrences were noted, according to Ensign Abel Lomboy, information officer of the Philippine Coast Guard-7.

Unregistered motorbancas joined the parade despite clear advisories and regulations, and some registered vessels were not in their designated places, causing minor disruptions.

Additionally, the MV River Bus ran aground near Pier 1 in Cebu City with 58 passengers and four crew members on board.

Lomboy stated that the vessel ran aground after the Sinulog Fluvial Parade and that the Philippine Coast Guard promptly evacuated everyone safely and initiated salvage operations and environmental monitoring. The incident is still under investigation.

For those unregistered vessels, the Coast Guard District Central Visayas will issue Enforcement Inspection Apprehension Reports. Furthermore, a tugboat collided with BRP Cape San Agustin, one of the three PCG vessels, while traveling along the Mactan Channel. No injuries were reported.

The Police Regional Office-7 reported that the fluvial procession was executed smoothly and peacefully. More than 342 boats carrying devotees and sacred images of the Holy Child Jesus traveled through the Mactan Channel to accompany the image of Santo Niño back to its home at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño in Cebu.

The procession began at 6:34 a.m. on Mactan Island and featured the new vessel MV Santo Niño from Medallion Transport Inc. as the main boat.

An estimated 703 security forces were deployed for the event. In a statement, PRO7 Regional Director Police Brigadier General Redrico Maranan highlighted that the overall security and public safety measures during the fluvial procession were organized and effective.

Maranan emphasized that the police carefully prepared for the event to ensure its smooth execution while prioritizing safety and security, enhancing police visibility, implementing prompt response strategies, and actively monitoring real-time situations to manage any incidents effectively.

He encouraged unit commanders to strengthen their anti-crime initiatives to ensure a safe environment and prevent any criminal elements from taking advantage of the festivities. — (FREEMAN)