CEBU, Philippines — More than 160,000 devotees filled the streets of Cebu City at dawn yesterday, January 9, 2025, their lighted candles illuminating the early morning darkness as they joined the Penitential Walk with Jesus.
Moving in prayerful silence, the faithful honored Señor Sto. Niño, marking the start of the 460th Fiesta Señor celebration.
Despite the light drizzle, devotees gathered at Fuente Osmeña to join the 2.1 kilometer procession leading to the Holy Child’s home in Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu (BMSN).
During the Opening Salvo of the 460th Fiesta Señor 2025, BMSN rector Rev. Fr. Andres D. Rivera Jr. reminded everyone to remember that it is the Holy Child who calls them to gather and share the love and hope with each and every one.
“Gitawag kita sa Diyos dili tungod kay kita mga balaan ug matarong. Apan tungod kay kita masalaypon ug nagkinahanglan sa Diyosnong Kaluoy ug panabang,” said Fr. Rivera.
Citing this year’s theme, “Santo Niño: Hope of the Pilgrim Church,” Fr. Rivera emphasized that the Holy Child is the only true hope of the people, and not material things nor people.
“Dili ang kaparian sa inyong atubangan ug labaw nga dili ang mga tao nga ang mga hulagway nagngisi karon nga gisang-at sa atong kadalanan ug agianan,” Fr. Rivera furthered.
“Ang Ginoo ra gyud ang atong paglaum kay ang iyang saad ug pulong dili gayud pakyason,” he added.
Mae Nuñez, 24, was one of the thousands of devotees who woke up early just to join the annual Walk with Jesus.
“Attending here sa Opening Salvo and sa walk with Jesus is my way of giving thanks for all the blessings I’ve received and asking for guidance in the year ahead,” she said.
Within the opening salvo, the Basilica installed Gremar Teresa Uy Matiao and Dante Uy Matiao as the 460th Fiesta Señor Hermano y Hermana Mayores.
Meanwhile, Fr. Jules Van Almerez, spokesperson of the BMSN assessed the overall event as orderly and successful despite slight delays and the drizzle.
“Nakulbaan lang mi mga kaparian kay nag uwan-uwan kay basig ma delay sa procession. But we just arrived on time unya nakasugod sad ta sa misa on time.We consider those raindrops na blessing,” said Fr. Almerez.
Fr. Almerez also shared that there were also brief pauses at certain points in the procession that had to pivot around obstacles, particularly near the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) construction area.
“Naa lang gagmay na hunong-hunong because of that kay nag pivot-pivot man gud ta atong naay mga foglia sa BRT. Pero okay ra gihapon kaayo, at least nakaabot ta diri on time and nakasugod pud ta sa misa on time,” he noted.
No untoward incident
City Councilor Joel Garganera, in an interview with The Freeman, said there was no untoward incident that happened in the duration of the penitential walk from Fuente Osmeña Circle to the Basilica.
“It went smoothly except for the drizzle...but it’s a blessing. Maayo kaayo ang panahon,” said Garganera, who is head of the Security Cluster for Sinulog 2025.
“No untoward incident nga nahitabo. It was just a short route…Walay nakuyapan, perhaps kay bugnaw ang panahon, gamay ra sang ruta,” he added, although he pointed out that there are still some areas in the BRT route that are still incomplete.
“Mao nay atong gipabantayan ganina,” Garganera pointed out while saying that they are expecting the BRT engineers to finish it as soon as possible for the other activities including the Walk with Mary on the 17th and the solemn procession on the eve of Sinulog, which is a longer route at over six kilometers.
Garganera said he will bring up the matter regarding the unpaved portions of the BRT route.
“Naay areas nga uneven ang surface, this is a cause of hazard. Mao nay atong gilantawan,” Garganera said.
In terms of safety and security, Garganera said enough police and force multipliers were deployed, including in the Basilica, and will do the same in all the other activities leading to the Sinulog grand parade.
In addition, Cebu City Police Office spokesperson, Police Lt. Col. Maria Theresa Macatangay said that the event was smooth and peaceful.
“The procession went peacefully, we haven't encountered anything that will cause threat to the entire pilgrims,” said Macatangay.
She added that there were close to a thousand police officers and uniformed personnel were deployed to ensure the safety of those who participated.
Additional support was provided by other government agencies and civilian volunteers acting as force multipliers.
Further, as part of the Police Regional Office-7’s Task Force Fiesta Senor and Sinulog 2025's security strategy, around 1,904 security personnel were stationed in key areas, including along the procession pathway and at designated entry and exit points.
PBGen Dionisio B Bartolome, Jr., Officer in Charge of PRO-7, said that no significant incidents occurred and improved security measures were implemented throughout the procession, contributing to its success.
“PRO-7, in collaboration with various law enforcement agencies, the Cebu City government, stakeholders, and the Central Visayas community will ensure the safety and security for the 460th Fiesta Senor and Sinulog celebrations. Enjoy the vibrant festival and stay safe. Viva Pit Senyor!," added Bartolome, Jr. in a statement.
DOH reminders
Meanwhile, to ensure public health and safety for the upcoming Sinulog on January 19, 2025, the Department of Health Central Visayas Center for Health Development (DOH Central Visayas CHD) has raised a Code White Alert from January 8-20.
According to DOH-7 regional director Jaime Bernadas, this heightened alert level guarantees the readiness of healthcare workers, medical supplies, and facilities in Cebu Province and in Highly Urbanized Cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue to provide immediate assistance in case of emergencies during the religious and cultural event.
In partnership with various agencies and the City Government of Cebu, the DOH-CVCHD will deploy medical teams and set up health stations in key areas along the Sinulog routes on January 18 and 19, 2025 with 42 medical stations.
A total of 44 Health Emergency Response Teams (HERTs) with approximately 240 personnel from four DOH hospitals in Cebu, Cebu City Medical Center, 11 Private Hospitals, and 19 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Providers and Volunteers will be stationed along the festivity routes.
Around 25 personnel will also man the Regional Health Emergency Operations Center.
Key agencies such as the Philippine National Police Regional Office 7, Bureau of Fire Protection Regional Office 7, Philippine Coast Guard Regional Office 7, Office of Civil Defense 7, Naval Forces Central (NAVFORCEN) 7, DOH Central Visayas CHD, Philippine Red Cross, private hospitals and other volunteers will collaborate to ensure for coordinated health services.
Bernadas said that health stations set up along the route will offer basic medical aid and advanced treatment as needed. Ambulances will be on standby to transport patients requiring urgent care to nearby hospitals.
Major healthcare facilities, including DOH Hospitals, from all over Cebu, are also fully prepared to handle more complex medical cases.
The DOH-CVCHD reminds attendees to take precautions and ensure their well-being during the event.
Bernadas said that devotees who are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms, such as cough or colds, are advised to stay home to avoid worsening their condition and spreading illness.
Additionally, participants are encouraged to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, wear light and comfortable clothing, and limit exposure to the sun to avoid heat-related illnesses.
“The celebration of the feast of the Senior Santo Niño is more than just a tradition—it’s a powerful expression of faith for millions of Sugbuanons. The DOH is here to help make sure everyone stays safe and healthy throughout the event. With the support of our partner agencies, we’re ready to respond quickly to any medical needs. We’re asking all devotees to take care of themselves, stay alert, and look out for one another during this meaningful gathering,” Bernadas said. — Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/ATO (FREEMAN)