Mandaue dads want old fluvial procession route

CEBU, Philippines — The Mandaue City Council has passed a resolution appealing to the Archdiocese of Cebu and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu to restore the traditional route of the fluvial procession for the Fiesta Señor 2027.

The move came after several spectators along the viewing decks in Mandaue City said they were unable to see, or were too far from, the image of Señor Santo Niño aboard the galleon.

The council approved the floor resolution and seconded the appeal unanimously yesterday, January 19, expressing its collective support for the request to the basilica.

Councilor Carlo Fortuna said the fluvial procession is one of the most anticipated highlights of the Fiesta Señor, with Mandauehanons participating out of deep devotion and faith in the Child Jesus.

He said devotees showed their faith by waking up as early as 3 A.M. to secure good viewing spots along areas such as the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge, nearby wharves, and Mandani Bay.

“Pero mao lagi disappointing kaayo ang nahitabo sa fluvial procession kay wa g’yud maabot og tuyok,” Fortuna said, noting that several faithful waited for hours hoping to see the image of the Santo Niño, but it never passed near the viewing decks.

“Mao’ng karon ang konseho mismo nagkahiusa nga mohangyo sa simbahan sa Archdiocese of Cebu ug basilica minore nga sunod tuig nga celebration sa Fiesta Señor fluvial procession ibalik na ang karaang rota,” he said.

Fortuna said he hopes that in the next celebration, the galleon will pass under the bridge and come closer to the people.

He also suggested using a smaller vessel, similar to the traditional galleons used in the past, so devotees along the shoreline can clearly see the image.

“Part man na sa devotion, inig agi sa Santo Niño mokanta ug moampo ang mga tao,” he said, adding that he hopes the church will listen to their suggestion.

He also emphasized that the fluvial procession is not only for those aboard the vessel but for everyone, especially those who remain onshore.

In a separate interview, Councilor Raul Kevin Cabahug, who was at Mandani Bay during the procession, observed that many devotees waiting at the viewing deck were disappointed.

He said that while the spiritual presence of the Santo Niño was felt, it was evident that people were saddened because they had hoped to see the galleon up close and catch a clear glimpse of Santo Niño.

Cabahug said many devotees either did not sleep or woke up very early to secure viewing spots, only to end up disappointed.

“There is no harm in trying nga mohangyo ta, mao’ng ni-support ang konseho nga hopefully mabalik kaniadto,” he said, adding that using a smaller galleon would be acceptable as long as it passes close enough for people to see and express their faith in the Santo Niño.

“For me, the spirit of the celebration is mahangop g’yud sa mga tao ang Balaang Bata,” he said.

Cabahug added that since there is still ample time before the next Fiesta Señor, he hopes the church will consider and grant their request.

Meanwhile, the basilica clarified that safety considerations prompted the current fluvial procession route.

Basilica media liaison Rev. Fr. Jules Van Almerez, OSA, told The Freeman that during the tabletop exercise conducted with the Philippine Coast Guard prior to the fluvial procession it was determined that the waters near the Mandaue City viewing decks were shallow.

He said this was a key factor, especially since Lite Ferry 10, which carried the image of the Santo Niño, is the largest galleon used in the fluvial procession to date, making it difficult to navigate closer to the viewing decks without compromising safety.

According to Almerez, the decision was made primarily to ensure the safety of the galleon and its passengers.

He also clarified that reports claiming the galleon would pass under the first bridge were inaccurate, noting that since 2018, the galleon has no longer passed beneath the bridge due to safety and security concerns.

Almerez said this was clearly announced during the dry run of the fluvial procession, adding that he was unaware where some media outlets obtained information suggesting otherwise.

“I do not know where other media outlets got the idea that the galleon would pass under the first bridge when, in fact, it was already announced during the dry run that it would not pass there,” he said. — (FREEMAN)