Devotee City underway

CEBU, Philippines - The construction of the Devotee City near the Compaña Maritima Building has started Friday in preparation for the arrival of pilgrims starting next week.

Sinulog Devotee City committee chairman Roberto Cabarrubias said they are expecting devotees from other provinces to arrive on Thursday. Cabarrubias said the Devotee City will be ready to receive them by then.

He said they are expecting devotees from the neighboring provinces of Leyte, Siquijor and Negros. The Devotee City will also accept devotees from the municipalities beyond Danao City in the north and Carcar City in the south.

Based on their past experiences, most devotees who come to the temporary shelter provided by the city government are from within the province of Cebu.

Cabarrubias said they will put up showerheads, portalets, and areas for cooking. At least 24 portalets have been delivered yesterday. Security personnel will be deployed round the clock to ensure the safety of the devotees.

The Devotee City is composed of at least 120 container vans that will serve as temporary shelter. Cabarrubias said that for the devotees to be accommodated they need to present their bus or boat ticket upon registration.

Meanwhile, street dwellers will be placed in the Department of Veterinary Medicine and Fisheries in the North Reclamation Area starting next week.

Cabarrubias said they will not allow anyone to sleep on the streets, adding there will be a group tasked to roundup street dwellers. (FREEMAN)