In Lapu-Lapu City Over 2,000 take part in fluvial procession 

CEBU, Philippines — Thousands of devotees joined the annual fluvial procession of Nuestra Señora de Regla in Lapu-Lapu City on Thursday, November 12, as part of the celebration of the image’s 291st patronal fiesta.

The Lapu-Lapu City Police Office (LCPO) recorded more than 2,000 devotees and other churchgoers participating in the religious activity.

This year’s procession returned to the Marigondon Wharf route, which was shorter than the previous years, according to Mayor Ma. Cynthia “Cindi” King-Chan.

“Nasayud ta nga naglisod ta karon sa atong ekonomiya,” King-Chan said, explaining that the shorter route was considered in light of the current economic situation.

She said the adjustment allowed organizers to conduct the procession properly and on time while reducing the expenses of participating vessels.

“Ang mga nikuyog sa fluvial mapasalamaton kay gamay ra ang krudo nga nagamit,” she added, noting that the shorter route also meant less fuel consumption for those who joined the procession.

King-Chan said the previous route started at the Cordova Roll-On/Roll-Off (RORO) Port before proceeding to Muelle Osmeña Port. 

Despite the adjustment, several vessels joined the procession, including more than 12 boats, nine speedboats, six jet skis, and one fast craft.

The Philippine Navy, Philippine Coast Guard, and other uniformed personnel likewise took part in the activity, providing security and support for the religious procession.

The revered image of Nuestra Señora de Regla was carried aboard the M/V Princesa of Metro Ferry Inc. as it departed from Marigondon Port and traversed the coastal waters of Mactan.

The procession passed through the coastal areas of barangays Maribago, Agus, Mactan, Punta Engaño, Ibo, and Pusok, as well as the two bridges along the Mactan Channel, before docking at Muelle Osmeña Port in Barangay Poblacion.

From there, devotees continued with a foot procession toward the Nuestra Señora de Regla Parish National Shrine, where the opening Mass of the 291st patronal fiesta was held.

Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy presided over the Mass, attended by King-Chan, Congressman Junard “Ahong” Chan, Vice Mayor Celsi Sitoy, and members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

In his homily, Uy reminded the faithful of the importance of keeping their faith alive, sharing the reflection, “Heaven belongs to those who have heaven in their hearts.”

The celebration also served as an occasion for devotees to gather in prayer and thanksgiving amid challenges faced by the community.

In her message, King-Chan said the community continues to draw strength and hope from its devotion to the Blessed Virgin Mary, whom devotees regard as their guide and source of comfort during difficult times. – MRM (CEBU NEWS)