CEBU, Philippines — The Coast Guard District Central Visayas conducted a dry run on Wednesday in preparation for the fluvial procession on Saturday, January 18, one of the highlights in the celebration of the Feast of Señor Sto. Niño.
The dry run, held in the Cebu-Mactan Channel, featured Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) vessels BRP Malabrigo (MRRV-4402), BRP Cape San Agustin (MRRV-4408), and BRP Bagacay (MRRV-4410), along with other assets from the PCG, the Philippine Navy, and the Philippine National Police Maritime Group.
According to Cebu Coast Guard Station Commander Capt. Jerome Lozada, the exercise was generally smooth, though adjustments are needed to ensure efficiency.
“One adjustment involves docking the galleon at Captain Veloso Pier in Navforcen since it’s the first time the galleon is docking there. Aside from that, everything was okay,” Lozada said in Cebuano.
The Coast Guard achieved its target duration of 1 hour and 45 minutes for the fluvial parade but noted speed adjustments for the galleon.
“The galleon’s engine is faster than expected, so we had to adjust to maintain a speed of seven knots,” Lozada added.
A total of 329 registered sea vessels will join the fluvial parade, which will feature a color-coding system for smooth navigation. Red-colored vessels, mostly larger ships and early registrants, will lead the procession, while blue-colored ones will follow.
To prevent delays and ensure safety, only registered vessels will be allowed to join the procession. The PCG will deploy nearly 500 personnel to monitor compliance with safety guidelines and prevent unregistered vessels from entering restricted areas.
“We will strictly check the capacity of participating vessels, especially open-type motor bancas with limited space,” Lozada said.
Children under 12 years old, firecrackers, balloons, and other risky items are prohibited onboard. The Mactan Channel will also be closed to non-participating vessels starting at 4 a.m. on Saturday, ahead of the procession’s 6 a.m. start.
The Coast Guard has reiterated its reminders to participants to adhere to safety regulations and policies to ensure a smooth, safe, and solemn fluvial procession.
“Cooperate with law enforcers and follow safety guidelines to avoid accidents and ensure a successful celebration,” Lozada said.
Violators, including unregistered vessels attempting to join, will face penalties and exclusion from the official fluvial route.
Meanwhile, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), led by Chairman and CEO Richard Gordon, has mobilized its resources for Sinulog 2025. PRC’s efforts include deploying 200 volunteers, six ambulance units, four service vehicles, a food truck, 22 first aid stations, welfare desks, and water stations.
An Emergency Field Hospital (EFH) with 10 beds will also be set up, and two rescue boats will be deployed during the fluvial parade.
“PRC staff and volunteers are ready to serve, ensuring medical attention for millions of local and international tourists attending the festival,” Gordon said.
PRC Governor and Cebu Port Authority Commissioner Jose Emery “Joy” Roble also confirmed that three of his vessels—Gracious Star, Roble Tug 101, and M/V Superjoy—will join the fluvial parade, each with its own medical team onboard.
Call for a zero-waste Sinulog
On the hand, the Ecowaste Coalition Visayas is advocating for a zero-waste celebration during Sinulog 2025, aligning with Zero Waste Month. In partnership with Barangay Tejero, the coalition has organized a Barangay Sinulog event called Sinulog sa Kabatan-onan alang sa Kinaiyahan.
The event includes a two-hour street dance along Ponce Street and a finale program at the Barangay Tejero gymnasium, featuring guest speakers from the DENR and other civic organizations. – Decemay P. Padilla (FREEMAN)