Devotee City opens today

CEBU, Philippines — Devotees of the Señor Sto. Niño who are from far places and have no place to stay in Cebu City can now avail of free accommodation at the Devotee City which opens today.

It has been the practice of the city to establish a Devotee City to give free accommodation to pilgrims from neighboring provinces since 1995.

The city will prioritize those devotees who are living beyond Danao City in the north, Carcar City in the south, and other provinces outside Cebu.

Pilgrims who arrived before today’s launching were already accommodated.

Among them is Albing Gastador, a native of  Bogo City.

Gastador, now in her 60s, has been a devotee of Señor Sto. Niño since highschool.

“Bisag walay kwarta, maningkamot gyud ko nga makabiyahe para makapanagkot,”said Gastador.

To date, her yearly panata has become a family tradition.

Gastador said her devotion to the Holy Child Jesus was even strengthened after her daughter was almost hit with a falling debris while saving their mini Sto. Niño image when the super typhoon Yolanda hit the northern part of Cebu.

She said Señor Sto. Niño has always helped in their daily endeavors. It was also through the help of the ‘miraculous’ Child Jesus that her daughter was healed from asthma, said Gastador.

“Gipangaliya gyud na nako nga hatagan og baskog na lawas ako anak, kaluoy sa Diyos karun uban na siya nako magpasalamat,” said Gastador.

To cover their expenses, they have been selling hats, bottled waters and candles every Sinulog.

Devotee City located at the back of Campania Maritima can accommodate up to 3,000 pilgrims. 

The city government planned to put 120 container vans but due to the limited space, there are only 88 vans in the area now.

The amenities include free water, electricity, portable toilets, shower, sink and a public WIFI.

According to Devotee City 2018 chairman Engr. Roberto Cabarrubias, there will also be medics on stand-by to provide medicines and respond to emergencies, volunteer doctors, and Women’s desk to provide security.

A nightly entertainment, free food and drinks will also be provided by sponsors.

Cabarrubias advised those who want to register to bring IDs and bus, boat or plane ticket since registration is on a first come, first serve basis.

He also reminded the devotees not to bring any forms of liquors and sharp materials within the vicinity.

The devotees will be allowed to stay in the Devotee City until Monday morning, said Cabarrubias. —/MBG (FREEMAN)