Cebu City gov’t opens Devotee City

CEBU, Philippines – Instead of staying in the streets, 71-year-old Fransisca Rubin is pleased to find temporary shelter at the Devotee City – a place used to accommodate transients who travel to Cebu City for the Sinulog.

Yesterday, the Devotee City was officially opened at the vacant lot near Compaña Maritima.

The Devotee City can accommodate at least 3,000 people from areas beyond Carcar City in the south and Danao City in the north, as well as those from neighboring provinces.

Rubin travelled all the way from Barangay Poblacion, Toledo City yesterday bringing with her 1,000 pieces of candles to be sold to other pilgrims.

She vows to set aside 100 of her candles to be offered to the Holy Child Jesus, who granted her prayers and guided her through the years.

“Gidungog niya akong pag-ampo ug gihatag akong gipangayo, nanaad gyud ko nga modagkot og 100 ka kandila. Pasalamat ko ni Señor Santo Niño nga nagpadayon og hatag og kinabuhi,” she said in an interview yesterday during the formal opening of the Devotee City.

Rubin said she is glad that there is a comfortable place to stay.

“Sa akong pangedaron, himsog gihapon akong panglawas ug gikaloy-an ni Santo Niño, makapanginabuhi gihapon,” she said.

The Devotee City is the brainchild of former city councilor Fe Mantua Ruiz back in 1996 that was originally called the Tent City.

The project serves as a free temporary lodging place for Sto. Niño devotees who are housed in empty container vans clustered into two-storey structures.

At least 120 vans and basic facilities are being set up – such as portalets, shower rooms, and cooking area. There are also water and electricity supply.

The Cebu City Health Department and the Cebu City Medical Center provide the medical services while policemen and barangay tanods are deployed to guard the premises. — May B. Miasco/ATO (FREEMAN)