CEBU, Philippines — Hundreds of devotees are expected to avail of free shelter from the Cebu City government when the Devotee City opens at Plaza Independencia today.
Cebu City Councilor Francis Esparis, who is in charge of the Devotee City, said that based on their experience, devotees come and go while others who may not be able to sleep inside the container vans anymore are just content with seeking shelter under the tents also set up in the vicinity.
Portalets are also set up for them, but the washing of clothes is not allowed.
Last year, they were able to accommodate over 800 devotees and anticipate to have the same number this year, if not more.
Esparis thanked Chester Cokaliong of Cokaliong Shipping Lines for again lending the city government 30 container vans that will be used as temporary shelters for the out-of-town devotees who do not have any place to stay during their visit to Santo Niño de Cebu.
In return though, Esparis is asking for everyone’s cooperation to keep the container vans clean and refrain from vandalism.
Aside from that, there are several dos and don’ts that devotees availing of this free shelter should observe.
Smoking, drinking of alcoholic drinks, illegal drugs, gambling, and bringing of explosives and sharp objects are not allowed, and so are pets.
Esparis also reminded devotees not to leave children behind while they go to church.
Cooking should be done at the common kitchen area set up for them while loitering and swimming in the sea nearby is not permitted.
Even as some personnel from the Cebu City Police Office and force multipliers will be assigned in the Devotee City to ensure everyone’s safety and security, devotees are expected to keep an eye on their valuables as the City government will not be liable for any losses.
To avoid long queues, a pre-registration was done starting at 6 p.m. yesterday.
The Devotee City, just like in the past, accommodates devotees from outside Cebu City.
Upon registration, one should show bus or boat tickets as proof he or she is from out of town.
After they have registered, an ID will be given to them together with the number of their van assignment. No transferring of assigned vans will be allowed for proper monitoring. BRP (CEBU NEWS)