Bantayan Holy Week traditions will prevail

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma has assured that the solemnity and the traditional devotion practices during the Holy Week in Bantayan Island will be preserved and respected despite tension between Sta. Fe Mayor Jose Esgana and Parish Priest Father Roy Bucag.

“There are so many beautiful traditions for Holy Week that’s why people go there not because for the purpose of witnessing Holy Week but to preserve the spirit of Holy Week in Bantayan. So I said, any activity that would disturb, that would disrupt or any activities that would ruin the celebration we opposed that because we wanted to maintain the tradition,” said Palma during the 888 News and Media forum held yesterday.

It was earlier reported that conflict erupted between Esgana and Bucag after the priest organized a prayer rally to protest Esgana's approval of the planned Isla Music Festival to be held in the town during Holy Week.

Palma said that during his separate talks with Esgana and Bucag, everything has already been clarified.

Palma said that Esgana has assured that there will be no similar activities in the town during Holy Week.

"There is no such activities during Holy Monday to Good Friday," he said.

Bantayan Island has been one of the most visited places in Cebu because of its unique Holy Week tradition. —/JBB (FREEMAN)