Mandaue venue for Calungsod mass was Rama proposal

CEBU, Philippines - Mayor Michael Rama has no problem with the transfer of the venue for the National Thanksgiving Mass for Blessed Pedro Calungsod who will be canonized in October this year.

In fact, Rama said he was the one who suggested to hold the mass at the Mandaue Reclamation Area because the site is closer to amenities compared to the South Road Properties, the original venue of the event.

Rama admitted that holding the event at the SRP would be advantageous to the city, but holding it in Mandaue City will reportedly be more convenient to the Catholic faithful who will be attending the event.

He said comfort rooms and restaurants would be accessible to those who will join the celebration since there is a commercial establishment near the Mandaue Reclamation, unlike at the SRP.

The Archdiocese of Cebu has rejected a P100 million proposal for the event. The P100 million estimated cost for the National Thanksgiving Mass was supposed to cover the cost of building the templete (a small temple or a shrine) for Calungsod’s enthronement, the leveling of the site and other subsequent developments in the site, but Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said the amount is just too costly.

The bulk of the amount would cover the cost of filling materials to level the area, which is reportedly muddy especially during rains.

Paul Hubahib who is tasked by the mayor to represent the city government in the meetings to prepare for the event, said sponsors have actually expressed willingness to fund the P100 million but they also asked for tax credit from the city. Cebu City, however, could not commit to grant the tax credit so the church decided to look for other options.

The Mandaue City government then offered the Mandaue Reclamation Area, which appeared to be a more suitable venue. Hubahib said the Mandaue Reclamation has a wider road that can accommodate traffic.

Despite the change of venue, Rama said the city is still willing to help in any way allowed by the Commission on Audit.The Canonization of Blessed Pedro Calungsod is scheduled on October 21 in Rome. The National Thanksgiving Mass will follow on November 30. A huge crowd is expected to show up from different places across the country. — (FREEMAN)