Archdiocese wants to keep trees on center island in Mabolo for IEC

CEBU, Philippines - The Archdiocese of Cebu wants to keep the trees along the Pope John Paul II Avenue in Mabolo, Cebu City because it gives beauty to the thoroughfare.

Cebu Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Villarojo, secretary general of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress, said the church and the IEC committee prefer to keep the trees instead of earth-balling or cutting it down.

 “We would rather appreciate that the area be beautified because it would be pleasing to the delegates to see and it would be refreshing to see trees around,” he said.

 Villarojo said they did not ask the Cebu City government to widen the street or eliminate the center island and the trees for the congress.

He said the interest of the city should be balanced with the environment.

 “There should be careful planning and greater consideration as to what truly serves as interest of the city,” he added.

 Villarojo said there must be a dialogue between the city officials, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the concerned stakeholders to get everybody’s side.

 “We need to dialogue and to see what really is the best thing to do in the area. This is our city and all citizens have say on what’s good for everybody,” he said.

 Villarojo clarified that trees in the center island do not obstruct entry points to the IEC Pavilion. He, however, said that there are several trees along the sidewalk that they requested to be earth-balled because these are situated near the new entrances of the seminary.

Meanwhile, at least 400 members of the clergy from around Cebu, including Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma, are performing a concert on Faith, Love and Songs featuring the best of praise and worship music and selected contemporary music of today and tomorrow on November 27 at 7:30 pm at the IEC Pavilion.

 There will also be a matinee show on November 27 at 2 p.m. Tickets are sold in all Cebu parishes.

 “It is a privilege for us to make known our love for music and the faith dimension of the concert. This is our way to praise God for his goodness. Those who will watch will surely be treated to wonderful and joyful evening of music and faith,” Palma said adding that the priests will also be singing during the first communion in IEC next year. — (FREEMAN)