No decision yet on April 14 holiday

CEBU, Philippines —  Four days before the quincentenary celebration of the arrival of Christianity, the Malacañang has yet to act on the appeal of the Cebu City government to declare April 14, 2021 a holiday.

Councilor Joel Garganera, the City Council’s committee chairperson for history and heritage, authored the resolution urging President Rodrigo Duterte to declare it as a special non-working holiday in the city in line with the quincentenary celebrations of Christianity’s arrival in the country.

The measure was approved by the council on January 13 this year.

Garganera said he personally forwarded the resolution to the Office of the Presidential Assistant for the Visayas two or three weeks after the approval for assistance.

The councilor said he remains hopeful that April 14 will be made a special non-working holiday.

“I hope and pray that the President will grant it,” said Garganera.

Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea is just waiting for the National Historical Commission of the Philippines’ response regarding this matter.

Declaring such a date, Garganera said, will give all Cebuanos the opportunity to commemorate the significant occasion.

“This is in line with the celebration of 500 years of Christianity or quincentennial celebration. This is to give an opportunity to Cebuanos to celebrate in a solemn way such a historical moment. I hope they will answer our prayer,” said Garganera.

In Cebu, the Archdiocese of Cebu is expected to lead the reenactment of the First Baptism which occurred on April 14, 1521.

Rajah Humabon, his wife, and around 400 Filipino natives were first baptized into Christianity in Cebu City. — Decemay Padilla, KQD (FREEMAN)