Novena the real threat, not Sinulog, says Rama

CEBU, Philippines — If there is a real threat to Cebuanos’ health, it is the Novena Masses at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño and not the Sinulog, Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama said yesterday amid opposition to the proposed virtual, bubble-type cultural show this year at the South Road Properties.

“The real threat is not the SRP Sinulog. The real threat is the (masses) at the Sto. Niño (basilica). What is there? Nine days of novena,” Rama said in a privilege speech during the City Council’s first session for the year yesterday.

Rama, who said he is himself a devotee, explained that the Masses at the basilica would also mean nine days of convergence of people.

He said he met with department heads at the City Hall yesterday to discuss safety measures, especially since the basilica is very close to the City Hall.

“Nine days of convergence. The whole City Hall complex, that is where people will be. Even including Plaza Independencia, Cathedral area,” Rama said.

The vice mayor said people with no official business at the City Hall will not be allowed to get in, especially during the Masses, which he described as “a very dangerous situation for transmission.”

Aside from the nine-day novena, there is also the fiesta day Mass on the Jan. 17, the Adlaw sa Pasalamat on Jan. 18, post-fiesta special weekday masses, Adlaw sa Hubo on Jan. 22, and post-fiesta special Friday and Sunday masses, which are all expected to draw in crowds.

On the other hand, Rama said that the Sinulog at the SRP is only a one-day event on Jan. 17 to be participated in by 19 barangays in the city and three from Cebu province.

Rama, in his privilege speech, also emphasized that the Sinulog performances this year, if greenlighted, will admit no live audience.

He said participants will not also be allowed to mingle with those from other contingents.

After the performance, the contingent will be asked to go home immediately and, contrary to tradition, there will be no repeat performances for the winners this year.

The ritual show will be streamed live via social media platforms.

Live stream

Meanwhile, Mayor Edgardo Labella has issued memorandum addressed to barangay captains allowing them to set up equipment to live stream the Novena Masses at sports complexes in their localities.

“This is to provide alternative venues for our constituents to hear the novena masses and to minimize the crowding of people in the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño,” Labella said in his memo.

The memo, however, came with a reminder for local officials to ensure that the minimum public health and safety standards will be enforced. — JMD (FREEMAN)