CEBU, Philippines – The state weather bureau said fair weather is expected to greet today’s opening of the week-long Fiesta Señor celebration.
The people, though, are reminded to bring along with them sufficient drinking water, snacks, candies, and umbrellas as protection against either the heat or the rain.
The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, however, cautioned devotees of the Señor Sto. Niño against isolated rain showers and thunderstorms in the evening or early morning due to an easterly wind affecting the eastern section of the country.
Pagasa-Mactan Chief Al Quiblat said their latest forecast models indicate “fair” weather for the next four days due to the El Niño phenomenon.
“The whole period of Sinulog has high probability of fair weather because of El Niño. Generally fair or maayong panahon but with low chance of isolated rains in Cebu,” he said in a text message.
This was also echoed by Pagasa-Visayas Chief Oscar Tabada, saying “yes, we will have fine to fair weather.”
Meanwhile, the Department of Health-7 also urged devotees to bring handkerchiefs or face towels and bottled water or juice to avoid dehydration and hypoglycemia, which is “a medical emergency that involves an abnormally diminished content of glucose in blood.”
DOH-7 director Jaime Bernadas also reminded the public to refrain from eating food sold in the streets as they may be unsafe for consumption.
He further advised children below five and adults above 65 years old to avoid joining the crowd to avoid the possibility of acquiring diseases.
Devotees who have flu, cough and other ailments are likewise advised not to join the fiesta activities to avoid spreading the virus.
The health department is set to be on Code White alert starting tomorrow for swifter response to possible emergencies during the festivities.
DOH is now collaborating with different agencies and local government units in the deployment of emergency and rescue vehicles and medical teams.
The Sinulog is one if not the grandest religious festivals in the country. It is held annually in Cebu City on the third Sunday of January. — Kristine B. Quintas/RHM (FREEMAN)