Motorcade eyed as Plan B if bad weather continues

ORGANIZERS of this year’s Fiesta Señor will continue with the solemn procession next Saturday despite possible threats of another weather disturbance.

While the solemn foot procession will proceed as scheduled regardless of the weather conditions, Fr. Ric Anthony Reyes, OSA, said there may be changes in the fluvial parade.

Reyes, media liaison officer of the Basilica del Santo Niño and head of the general secretariat for this year’s Fi- esta Señor, said that they will depend on the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) and the decision of the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) regarding the procession at sea.

While Tropical Depression Auring spared some of the Fiesta Señor activities, another possible weather disturbance could affect Cebu this weekend, said Pagasa Mactan’s Engr. Al Quiblat.

Quiblat earlier said massive cloud formations were spotted in the Pacific early last week and could possibly form into a low pressure area during the Sinulog weekend.

Commodore Dionilett Ampil, PCG Cebu station commander, earlier disclosed that they plan to cancel the annual fluvial procession next week if the weather condition worsens.

Reyes said that if the weather turns for the worst, one of their options is to transfer the Santo Niño from Mandaue City to the Basilica through a motorcade.

But for now, their plans for the two activities stay, Reyes said.

He is also asking the faithful to continue offering their prayers for a safer and peaceful fiesta.

“We also urged the devotees to pray for good weather during the fiesta of the Santo Niño,” Reyes added.

He also advised devotees to bring umbrellas and rain gear to avoid getting wet during the nine-day Novena masses.