Rama still optimistic Pope may change mind on Cebu

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama isn’t losing hope that Pope Francis may still visit Cebu during his trip to the Philippines next week.

“Of course, dili man ta moundang ana. We will continue to pray. I know sa Facebook naa na daan… siyaro katong atong pronouncement wala na hibaw-i,” Rama said.

Based on the Vatican’s earlier announcement, Pope Francis will be in the country from January 15 to 19 and will visit Tacloban City; Palo in Leyte and Manila. The Pope main purpose is to visit places devastated by calamities.

Rama said that until now, he remains puzzled why Cebu, the seat of Christianity in Asia, was excluded from the itinerary.

In fact, this year, the city will be celebrating the 450th year of the finding of the image of the Santo Niño de Cebu and the 50th Year Anniversary of the Santo Niño Church as Basilica Minore.

“Dili gyud ko kasabot nganong (he cannot include Cebu City)… kadali ra gyud unta,” Rama said.

 If areas hit by calamities are the basis, Cebu, too, was affected by the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that jolted Central Visayas in 2013, the mayor contended.

“I am a little bit saddened by the news,” he said earlier.

Fr. Jonas Mejares, rector at the Basilica, also expressed disappointment over the itinerary.

“Human as I am, I am disappointed. Being the rector of the cradle of Christianity, I can’t help but be dismayed. But if you look at the bigger picture, there must be a reason why this happened,” he said.

 Monsignor Joseph Tan, archdiocese head for social communication, said Catholics should still be grateful of the Pope’s visit despite Cebu’s exclusion.

Sharing Rama’s optimism, Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella said the city government will be ready in case the Pope will change his mind.

In a related development, Sinulog 2015 organizers are also optimistic that this year’s festivities would still draw visitors despite it coinciding with the Pope’s visit.

“We can show also nga dili matabunan ang atong selebrasyon sa Cebu. We make sure nga it is going to be religious. For me it will also compliment the Pope’s visit,” said Sinulog Foundation Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros.  (FREEMAN)