President Marcos to Sto Niño devotees: Translate faith into action

MANILA, Philippines — As he joined millions of devotees of Señor Sto. Niño in celebrating the Sinulog Festival yesterday, President Marcos urged Filipinos to translate their faith into action and be inspired by the bayanihan spirit to remain conscious of their Catholic and social obligations.

“To the millions of devotees, I urge you to translate your faith into action so that you may spread the message of hope, love and joy to others,” Marcos said in his message.

“Guided by our faith and inspired by the bayanihan spirit, let us remain ever conscious of the responsibilities we all bear as Catholics and citizens of our country so that we may reach our shared destiny of a Bagong Pilipinas (New Philippines) that opens a better and more abundant life for all Filipinos,” he said, referring to his governance brand.

The third Sunday of January is set aside in the Philippines to celebrate the Santo Niño or Holy Child Jesus, a symbol of the birth of Catholicism in the Philippines more than 500 years ago.

Sinulog festival is a traditional celebration in Cebu City to honor the Santo Niño.

Marcos said Sinulog is one of the grandest and most colorful festivities in the Philippines, where devotees from all walks of life express their profound gratitude to Señor Sto. Niño for miracles and blessings even as they pray for good health and protection.

“As you revel with pride and joy on this special day, I hope that you will remain ever united in spurring the socio-economic growth of your city and in further developing the thriving industries of Cebu,” the Chief Executive said.

He also called on the Catholic faithful to always pray for spiritual strength and fortitude so the country can overcome whatever challenges and difficulties that may lie ahead.

“Looking forward, I ask all of you to work hand in hand with this administration in maximizing all of the opportunities that will come before us in this New Year,” Marcos said.

According to the website asiasociety.org, the Sinulog festival is done by a dance ritual, which tells the story of the Filipino people’s pagan past and their acceptance of Christianity.

Sinulog means “graceful dance.”

The festival started in 1980 with a simple dance that represents the “sulog,” which means “river current” in Cebu.