CEBU, Philippines — The traditional Penitential Walk With Jesus set today, January 9, 2024 that is expected to draw thousands of devotees officially marks the start of 460th Fiesta Señor 2025.
The procession is set to start at 4 a.m. at Fuente Circle, where the image of Señor Sto. Niño will parade through the city’s streets until it reaches its home at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu.
The solemn procession for this year’s festival theme is titled, “Santo Niño: Hope of the Pilgrim Church.”
The Penitential Walk will be followed by the Opening Salvo and the Installation of Hermano Y Hermana Mayores 2025.
With this, Fr. Jules Van Almerez, spokesperson of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu reminds devotees and churchgoers to strictly follow the guidelines issued for all the fiesta activities.
“First and foremost, we will still implement the dress code inside the Basilica,” said Fr. Almerez.
To maintain security and facilitate smooth flow of people entering the Basilica, he also discouraged devotees from bringing large bags, backpacks, and luggage.
Additionally, specific rules regarding the use of chairs have been issued – wherein only small, compact, and collapsible chairs are allowed inside, while larger camping chairs are prohibited.
Fr. Almerez also requested individuals to refrain from entering the Basilica if they have face paint on, citing the need to preserve the solemnity and sanctity of the celebrations.
“We would not allow persons entering the Basilica nga naay mga face paints ang ilang mga nawng kay of course when you go inside the house of God, dapat limpyo pud,” he noted.
The capacity of the entire Basilica compound is limited to 5,000 people and once the limit is reached, entry will be temporarily closed to prevent overcrowding.
However, he assured devotees that projectors have been installed outside the Basilica to accommodate those who cannot enter, which can allow them to still participate in the mass from outside.
“We have already instructed our security personnel nga if ever ma meet na ang max sa crowd then we will stop tong manulod na didto sa Magellan’s cross entrance,” said Fr. Almerez.
Security in place
Meanwhile, a sendoff ceremony was held yesterday for more than 3,000 personnel from various agencies assigned to ensure the safety and security of the Sinulog and Fiesta Senor 2025 activities.
Police Lieutenant Colonel Janette Rafter, spokesperson of the Police Regional Office in Central Visayas (PRO-7), highlighted the importance of a collaborative effort among various agencies to maintain peace and order throughout the event.
The deployed personnel include 1,028 from the Philippine National Police (PNP), 130 from the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), 200 from the Philippine Navy, 100 from the Philippine Army, 50 from the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), 20 from the Department of Health (DOH), and 100 from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRMO).
In addition, force multipliers consisting of 620 Barangay Public Safety Officers (BPSO), 150 Barangay Peacekeeping Action Team (BPAT) members, 100 personnel from Task Force Kasaligan and Barangay Fire Brigades, and 50 from the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) will also be assisting in the crowd control, traffic management, and emergency response.
They will be deployed in key areas of the festival, including the parade route, concert venues, and other high-traffic locations, ensuring public safety throughout the festivities.
Disaster response teams and medical units will also be mobilized.
Rafter mentioned that the Festival would be drawing in a crowd of 3 million for all the Sinulog activities from January 9 to January 20.
This includes the nine days of novena masses that serve as a spiritual preparation for devotees leading up to the feast day on January 19, 2025.
In his message during the send-off ceremony, Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia has stressed on the crucial role of police and other enforcement personnel as events leading to the Sinulog 2025.
Garcia expressed gratitude and support for these personnel while also stressing their crucial role in making this year’s Sinulog festival a safe and successful event.
"As the famous saying goes: "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step…Today, as we come together to kick off the 460th Fiesta Señor and Sinulog Festival, we take that first step in unity — driven by our shared purpose of service, protection, and devotion,” Garcia said.
“You are the unsung heroes of this event, ensuring that the spirit of Sinulog remains vibrant and safe,” he added.
Garcia further stressed that the Sinulog Festival is more than just a celebration, it is the heart of Cebu’s rich cultural and religious heritage.
“It is a time when millions come together in faith and festivity, honoring Señor Santo Niño, our beacon of hope and strength. This celebration unites us as Cebuanos and inspires visitors from all walks of life,” he added.
This grand celebration requires not only devotion but also preparation and vigilance, Garcia said.
With this, he expects everyone to carry out their duties and vigilance against threats to peace and order while also reminding them to have their actions “grounded in patience, compassion, and maximum tolerance”.
“Your presence not only safeguards the festival but also embodies the values of respect, fairness, and service. May the Sto. Niño bless and guide you as you fulfill this noble mission. Daghang salamat, and I wish you a safe and successful service. Viva Pit Señor!" ends Garcia.
REROUTING
With today’s Penitential walk with Jesus from Fuente Osmeña to the Basilica Minore del Santo Nino, the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) had announced full road closure on the route.
But as for the stretch of the Natalio Bacalso Avenue in Cebu City on the Grand Parade itself on Jan.19, it will remain open for motorists.
This was the assurance of the CCTO headed by Pastor “Jongjong” Alcover II to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia during their meeting at the Capitol.
The Capitol-run Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) is located along N. Bacalso, a thoroughfare that is expected to be busy during the Grand Parade, as this is near the CCSC).
Garcia emphasized that N. Bacalso should remain open to give way for the buses carrying passengers to and from the city.
Garcia said if the said thoroughfare will remain open, this gives easy access to the public who would wish to witness the Sinulog.
Alcover assured the governor they will open the N. Bacalso to allow free flow of foot traffic as well as for the buses who will enter and exit the CSBT so as to ensure the terminal remains operational that day. — Mitchelle Palaubsanon Le Phyllis F. Antojado /ATO (FREEMAN)