Candidates told: No politicking

CEBU, Philippines — Nearly two months before the 460th Fiesta Señor 2025, the Agustinian friars of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu reminded all political candidates who wish to join the celebration to do so as “mere devotees”.

During the media briefing at the Basilica yesterday, Fr. Jules Van V. Almerez, media liaison officer, emphasized that respecting the religious gathering should be a top priority and it should not be overshadowed by political undertakings.

“If they want to join us with the celebration, (they should join as devotees, act as devotees,” Almerez said.

He said the Basilica discourages any political demonstrations or subtle campaigning as the religious activities commence.

In particular, he said that candidates refrain from wearing campaign-related shirts or outfits during religious events and should instead come dressed appropriately.

This stemmed from the concern that the campaign shirts with political logos or candidates’ faces might distract the faithful from the event’s true essence.

This, Almerez said, ensures that the focus of the people remains on the devotion to the Holy Child and not the politicians.

“If they can, dress simpler, as a devotee… kanang dili makaagaw atensyon sa uban nga imbis ang devotees mo-focus unta sa celebration, adto na noon sila mag-istorhanay sa mga (politicians),” he said.

He said, though, that greeting or shaking the hands of the politicans are allowed, although attendees are advised not to create a scene that disrupts the essence of the religious activities.

Almerez highlighted that the Fiesta Señor is for everyone or that regardless of political background they are very welcome to celebrate the annual celebration.

Meanwhile, during the same media briefing, Almerez said the Basilica is now at 70 percent in preparation for Cebu’s biggest religious celebration this January 2025.

The celebration bears the theme, “Sto. Nino: Hope of the pilgrim Church” that Almerez said means that the Holy Child is “a haven of refuge, a rock of stability and, above all, a magnet of love drawing them (devotees)close to Him, as it has done for centuries”.

“As the Church celebrates this year the Ordinary Jubilee of 2025, themed ‘Pilgrims of Hope,’ so we also proclaim once more our faith in the Lord Jesus through our devotion to Señor Santo Niño, through which the Christian faith was firmly established in the Philippines,” Almerez said.

To kick off the various religious activities for the Fiesta Señor, the pilgrim image of the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu will be brought to hospitals and correctional facilities in Cebu, Talisay, and Mandaue as part of the pre-fiesta events, which run from Jan. 3 to Jan. 8, 2025.

The Fiesta Señor celebration will officially open with a novena mass on Jan. 9 that would begin with a 4 a.m. Penitential Walk with Jesus that would start at Fuente Osmeña Circle and would end at the Basilica.

From Jan. 9 to 17, daily novena masses would take place at the Basilica Pilgrim Center. And at 4 a.m. on Jan. 17, the Penitential Walk with Mary will be held.

Most religious activities for the Fiesta Señor will occur within the cities of Cebu, lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue, featuring events such as the Penitential Walk with Jesus, Traslaciones, and the historical re-enactments.

In terms of entry points, separate Basilica entrances will be designated for novena mass attendees, those devotees who would be honoring the image of the Sto. Niño de Cebu, and individuals lighting petition candles.

The candle-lighting area will also be relocated to the Colegio del Santo Niño (CSN) grounds, as the regular candle area will serve as additional space for mass attendees and the medical team.

Access to the candle area will be through the small gate at CSN by the corner of Magallanes and D. Jakosalem Streets. Devotees attending masses will enter via the Magellan’s Cross kiosk gate.

The P. Burgos St. gate, on the other hand, would be reserved for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), seniors, mass servers, clergy, religious members, emergency responders, and Basilica guests and volunteers.

Exits would be located at Osmeña Blvd. and gates by P. Burgos St.

Almerez reminded that backpacks will still be restricted to streamline entry procedures and enhance safety checks.

He also said that once the Basilica grounds reaches maximum capacity, the entrance gates will be closed. He likewise said that all Basilica gates will close by 8 p.m.

On vesper day, Saturday, and Sunday, the Fiesta Señor Day, gates will remain open for 24 hours, except from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. which would be dedicated for cleaning.

Almerez likewise reminded that the dress code that the Basilica is implementing would still be observed during masses and other activities.

In terms of challenges, Fr. John Ion C. Miranda, OSA, said they are coordinating with the City Government for assistance.

“We (also) call the attention of Cebu BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) nga hapit na ra ba ang December. We hope nga by December 16, since Misa de Gallo is our simulation of our Fiesta Senor (preparations), mahuman na unta ang needs diha sa kadalanan sa Osmeña Boulevard,” he said.

The CBRT contractor is currently doing civil works to expand the sidewalk on both sides of Osmeña Boulevard.

On the preparations, for the fluvial procession, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG)-7 said it would already accept registration applications by vessel owners and operators.

“This is an early preparation, para ma-identify namin pila ka buok ang among ma-deploy na personnel and assets to make our celebration a secure and safe one,” said Captain Jerome Y. Lozada, PCG-7 commander.

He said that passenger vessels carrying devotees must meet the requirements set by the Maritime Industry Authority.

He recalled that for last year, PCG-7 deployed more than 20 fastcrafts and 25 jet skis to help manage the fluvial procession and maintain the distance and speed of participating vessels.

This year, Lozada said they will try to achieve a ratio of at least one PCG personnel onboard every participating vessel to provide assistance and help enforce safety protocols.

He warned that vessels found violating safety regulations or failing to complete the registration properly will be discouraged from joining the procession.

The official galleon for the 2025 Fiesta Señor is MV Sto. Niño de Cebu, roll on-roll off vessel operated by Medallion Transport Inc.

Pio Serafin O. Fulache of Medallion Transport Inc. shared that the vessel was originally named as “Lady of Good Hope” but was renamed to honor the Sto. Niño after the company received the formal invitation from the church.

“When the family received the letter from the church of Sto. Niño, we were very happy because our company has been joining the fluvial procession since 1998,” he said. — (FREEMAN)