If Storm signal is raised ‘Fluvial’ may be cancelled

CEBU, Philippines — Organizers will cancel the fluvial procession on Saturday if a storm signal will be raised in Cebu.

This was announced by Lt. Junior Grade Michael John Encina, spokesperson of the Philippine Coast Guard - 7, after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) spotted a low pressure area (LPA) outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Wednesday.

 If the LPA will enter PAR, Cebu will be placed under Signal No. 1 on Saturday morning.

"We will definitely depend on the pronouncement of PAGASA. If tropical cyclone warning signal will be raised in Cebu, definitely we will be forced to cancel the fluvial parade,” Encina said.

He cited Memorandum Circular 02-2013, which stipulates the guidelines on the movement of sea vessels during bad weather. One of the rules states that all vessels are prohibited from sailing or venturing into the seas if PAGASA issues storm warning signal.

If no warning signal is issued and the actual sea condition is unfavorable, the fluvial procession may proceed but will be taking a “shorter” route from the usual 13-kilometer course.

This alternative route shows that the galleon with the participating vessels will navigate with its usual course on the Mactan Channel but will directly dock at Pier 1 in Cebu City. This means it will not pass through or take a turn in the waters off Barangay Pasil.

The galleon is set to depart Muelle Osmeña wharf in Lapu-Lapu City at 6 a.m.

The fluvial procession is an annual tradition in carrying the Santo Niño image to its sanctuary through the seas to reenact its arrival to Cebu’s shores way back in 1521 during the Spanish expedition of Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan.

Alfredo Quiblat, Jr., PAGASA-Visayas chief, said it is also possible that the LPA may weaken while still outside PAR.

If it intensifies and enters PAR, two things can happen – it recedes from landmass or makes landfall. If it makes landfall, it will do so in the northeastern portion of Mindanao on January 20 and may eventually cross to Bohol and Cebu.

The Fiesta Señor on Sunday is also when the much anticipated Sinulog Grand Parade takes place.

Quiblat said significant changes can still happen and more accurate information or data may be provided as the weather disturbance draws closer to land.

Meanwhile, the Coast Guard office is encouraging all vessel owners and operators who intend to participate in the fluvial procession to register and signify their intention to join.

Encina said registration is important because participants will be briefed properly on the instructions and guidelines that will ensure the safety and security of the galleon and the passengers. Deadline is today, January 17, at 5 p.m.

Encina said the Coast Guard will impound vessels that will be issued with an Inspection and Apprehension Report. — With John Kendrick P. Ceciban, USJ-R Intern, JMO (FREEMAN)