Fluvial parade cancelled due to bad weather

CEBU, Philippines - The annual fluvial procession in honor of Lapu-Lapu City’s patron saint, the Lady of the Rule, was cancelled yesterday due to bad weather.

Instead of the usual fluvial procession, organizers agreed to hold a motorcade from the Marigondon Parish Church passing by barangays Agus, Maribago, Mactan, Buaya, Ibo, Pusok, Pajo and down to Barangay Poblacion.

In 12 years, it was the first time that the fluvial procession, which marks the first day of the novena leading to the city’s fiesta on Nov. 21, was cancelled.

The fluvial procession was supposed to sail at 7 a.m. from the Pacific Cebu Resort Whart at Suba-Basbas and will end at the Muelle Osmeña at 9 a.m.

Jonjie Gonzales, one of the organizers, said that they were forced to cancel the fluvial procession because the seas were very rough.

“Dili gyud madala ang dagat. Kung pwede ipadayon ganiha, ipadayon gyud to but grabe gyud ka rough sa waves,” said Gonzales.

Gonzales said the Coast Guard warned them that the sea is not safe for small boats and advised the organizers to cancel it for safety purposes.

“Few years back, naa gihapon toy fluvial procession nga bawd kaayo but nakagikan naman gud to gikan sa Punta Engaño. Karon, naa’y enough time nga nasultihan ta. With the better system to monitor the weather, the coast guard was able to inform us that the sea was not safe for small craft,” Gonzales added.

Fr. Jimmy Duero, the parish priest of the Lady of the Rule church, spearheaded the motorcade along with Mayor Paz Radaza, Vice Mayor Martial Ycong, other city officials and the devotees.

Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo J. Cardinal Vidal celebrated the mass and encouraged everyone to be united and be faithful to the Lord.

Radaza has directed Lapu-Lapu Police Chief Senior Supt. Rey Lyndon Lawas to prepare measures to assure the safety of all the visitors during the festivities.

Aside from the balikbayans, city officials are expecting more visitors and tourists during the fiesta celebration.

Newly-appointed tourism department head Hembler Mendoza said they prepared a big event to welcome all visitors, especially those in the tourism industry.

The event is sponsored by beach resorts and hotel owners in Lapu-Lapu City.

Mendoza said this is part of the city government’s program in promoting tourism in Lapu-Lapu City.

On the other hand, Lapu-Lapu City Traffic Management System officials will soon  announce the rerouting plan to guide motorists. — /MBG (FREEMAN)