Basilica: Beware of “opportunists”

CEBU, Philippines - The Augustinian priests have warned the public especially interested donors to be wary of "opportunists" that take advantage of the fiesta celebration to enrich themselves at the expense of others through deceit.

Father Ric Anthony Reyes, secretariat to the Fiesta Señor 2017, said the Augustinian community has not authorized any individual to solicit donations for the celebration.

Reyes said that all donations for the Fiesta Señor should be coursed through the rector's office.

 "Yes, we are still open to accepting donations but we would like to make it clear that, in order to protect the contributions from donors, we have not authorized anyone to receive the donation in behalf of us," Reyes said.

Would-be donors can go directly to the Office of the Rector inside the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.

The basilica has been the sanctuary of the miraculous image of Sto. Niño de Cebu to which the feast is celebrated annually honoring the Holy Child. It is presently under the care of the Augustinians.

Reyes said the organizing committee continues to welcome all forms of donations to help meet the budgetary requirements for this year's celebration. A series of religious activities has lined up starting yesterday until the feast day on January 15.

He said they are doing all means to safeguard the contributions. Reyes admitted there were cases in the past that unscrupulous people solicit donations for the Fiesta Señor without the authority from the Augustinian community. He said they have observed several cases of frauds during this occasion.

 "There are, we call, opportunists that use the event to fool other people taking advantage of the activities," said Reyes.

He said they have been receiving reports and complaints about it but refused to give details.

 Reyes also reminded the public that posters of the general program for the religious activities and other materials intended for the event are not for sale. In fact, he said these were given to institutions for free.

He said these materials were only released to parish communities or any accredited entities like schools, media outlets, and private companies, among others. (FREEMAN)