Cebu City opens free shelter for devotees

The Cebu City government’s “Devotee City” officially opened its doors yesterday to those joining the Sinulog celebration but could not afford lodging while in the city.

The Devotee City, comprising 30 container vans made habitable by the City, is expected to cater to at most 900 people, with those coming from faraway places being given priority but on a first come first serve basis.

Mayor Michael Rama, his wife Malou, Chester Cokaliong of Cokaliong Shipping lines, and City Councilor Francis Esparis, who is the Devotees City chairman led the ribbon cutting ceremony that officially opened the free shelter.

During his speech, Rama highlighted the importance of prayer and paid tribute to the later former city councilor Fe Mantua Ruiz, whom he described as the brain behind the behind the concept of a Devotee City, which was first called as “Tent City” in 1996.

Registration also began yesterday, with Esaparis saying the devote would cater to more people compared to last year.

“So, atong pag banabana, like sa niaging tuig nga nikabat og almost 500 atong na-cater niini, so katong 2023 naa lang ‘tay 20 ka container vans, sa this year naa ‘tay 30,” said Esparis.

Mauricio Cabatino, Devotee City senior home management specialist, said that as of 1 p.m. yesterday, 575 people already registered.

To ensure security, Esparis said they conducted profiling of the registrants.

“Pinaagi sa pagmando sa atong Mayor Mike Rama nga kinahanglan mahatagan nato og kahigayonan ang atong mga kaigsoonan ug mahatagan nato og kasamtangan nga kapuy-an. Pero dili gyud hinuon tanan nato ma accommodate,” he said.

Just like the past years, most of those who availed of the free shelter are vendors who sell hats and candles, among other items.

Among them is 72-year-old hat vendor Lilia Molijon from Bogo City, who has been availing of the Devotees City service since 2004.

“Nakatabang ni sa among pag-ampo ug pagpaninda’g kalo… makalibre mi,” she said. SINULOG ACTIVITIES Meanwhile, a day before the much-awaited Sinulog grand parade tomorrow, several religious and secular activities in different venues have been lined up for today.

The first is the fluvial parade, or the reenactment of the arrival of Ferdinand Magellan’s ship with the Sto. Niño onboard.

It would be followed by the whole-day “Balik Baroto Regatta” at the South Road Properties (SRP). At 9 a.m., there will be a re-enactment of historical events, including the planting of the cross, baptism, and wedding at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Nino.

At 1 p.m., the solemn foot procession of the image of Señor Sto. Niño thronged by hundreds of thousands of devotees is expected to happen.

After the foot procession, Cebuanos are invited to watch the final round of the World Tiktok dance contest and the Bingo Plus Night at the Sinulog Tent City at the SRP.

For those who wants to go to the World Tent City at the SRP, the City Government has provided a free bus ride.

The buses are available from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m., with the National Museum of the Philippines-Cebu (formerly Aduana/Malacañang sa Sugbo) as pick-up point.

For those who opts to just be around either at Fuente Osmeña Rotunda or at Plaza Independencia, there would be “parties” beginning at 8 p.m. to drum up the mood going into the grand showdown of the Sinulog 2024.---Iris Hazel Mascardo, Caecent No-ot Magsumbol/RHM