Still no vans for “devotee city”

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Government is still searching for resources to establish a “city” for the devotees of St. Pedro Calungsod who are expected to come for the National Thanksgiving Mass on Nov. 30.

The devotee city can temporarily shelter devotees who come from far away and want to attend the national thanksgiving, but have no place to stay.

The Archdiocese of Cebu and the city government expects thousands to flock to Cebu City and is considering putting up a devotee city to provide shelter and prevent them from sleeping in the streets.

But as of their last meeting, Roberto Cabarrubias, chairman of the Devotee City Committee, said there have not secured the container vans needed because the shipping companies cannot commit to provide them due to the peak season.

“2GO shipping cannot commit to provide 110 vans due to the peak season.  The alternative plan is to use the schools,” Cabarrubias said.

Cabarrubias said 2GO might only be able to provide 10 to 20 vans.

He said the Department of Education in Cebu City okayed the use of at least three schools —the Basak Community School, the Mambaling Elementary School and the Gothong Memorial National High School.  If the need arises, they might also use the Don Vicente Rama Memorial National High School.

But Mayor Michael Rama said the use of schools is not advisable.

“School is for learning. Kung naa’y mangawala diha, kinsa man ang ma-liable ana?” Rama said.

Rama said he will meet with the committee to see if there is another way.

“Kung dili gyud madala, basin wala na lang,” Rama said.

The mayor clarified he did not promise to put up a devotee city.  He said that the city government will gladly put one up if resources are available.

Cabarrubias said they will finalize everything this week.

He said that the committee will tap other shipping companies who may be able to help them with the need for container vans.  –(FREEMAN)