Devotee City now open; 3T people expected

CEBU, Philippines - Devotees of Señor Sto. Niño from different towns and cities have arrived at the Devotee City in time for the fluvial and foot procession today and other fiesta activities.

The Devotee City formally opened yesterday morning and the Cebu City government is anticipating at least 3,000 individuals to stay in the area, said Councilor Roberto Cabarrubias, the designated chairman for the Devotee City.

Cabarrubias said they have prepared 120 container vans to accommodate the devotees.

From the 120 container vans, 114 are for female, male and children, three are for senior citizens and the other three vans are reserved.

The registration started at 10 a.m. yesterday after a program, wherein a formal launching and ribbon cutting took place.

He said that more people are expected to stay at the Devotee City this year compared to last year.

“Mas gamay to sauna kay aduna may bagyong Yolanda, unya kay grabeng naapektohan ang northern part sa Cebu, parehas sa Bogo nga regular visitors na nato. Unya karon kay naka-recover naman sila, mao na ang ila diri karon kay pasalamat sa Sto. Niño,” he said.

When container vans are already full, Cabarrubias said other devotees will be accommodated in makeshift tents.

“Some devotees are also vendors, we accommodated them kay kung dili nato sila i-accommodate, adto sila mag-stay sa mga aseras unya samok atong kadalanan. Mao to we decided to contain them in one area. We provide them shower areas, rest rooms and cookware,” he said.

Cabarrubias said that they anticipate that some devotees may be concerned about the provision of bed and food.

“Ang naka-apan lang kay ang ilang higdaanan. Dili ta maka-katre kay mo-consume og space, so we provided them with boxes na lang. Sila ra pud magbawn para sa ilang kaon,” he said, but added that some groups have donated food for the devotees.

Ma. Suzanne Ardoza, in-charge for the registration and placement at the Devotee City, said they accommodate individuals who live outside of Cebu City particularly residents of southern towns starting from Carcar City and those coming from the north starting from Danao City. Residents from other provinces like Leyte, Bohol and Bacolod are also accommodated.

“We can allow those to register nga walay kapuy-an ug mo-ari aron managkot or mo-attend sa fiesta, they only need to present their voter’s identification card or a bus or shipping ticket,” she said. — May B. Miasco/ATO (FREEMAN)