EDITORIAL - Illegal parking and the Fiesta Señor

During the second day of the Novena Masses for the Fiesta Señor, over a hundred motor vehicles were seized and impounded by the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) for parking in the immediate vicinity of the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño as well as other nearby areas.

Let’s hope these vehicle owners learn their lesson.

Even during these days --and by “these days” we mean the days of the Sinulog celebration and the Fiesta Señor-- certain areas in the city should always be kept free from vehicles.

This rule becomes even more timely now. For one thing, these vehicles obstruct human traffic, and we know that thousands of devotees visit the basilica round the clock to attend the religious services, to ask for intercessions, or just to gaze at the pilgrim image of the Holy Child.

For another thing, these parked vehicles will also become obstacles if in case something does happen at the basilica and Pilgrims’ Center grounds and people need to be evacuated quickly. Of course, this is something we don’t want to happen, but it is something we should be prepared for at all times during this celebration.

These vehicles may also make it difficult for emergency vehicles to get to the scene.

The CCTO has suggested that those who have cars or motorcycles who want to visit the basilica or the Pilgrims’ Center should just leave their vehicles at home and take public transport.

This is actually not a bad idea. Considering how much suffering the riding public undergo when taking public transport, enduring the time waiting for a ride, being squeezed in tight with other passengers, and walking the short distance to the basilica and the Pilgrims’ Center may actually constitute some sort of sacrifice or act of devotion one can dedicate to the Holy Child.

It’s both a good idea to clear the road of illegally-parked vehicles and also to win points with the one above. Surely, even this small yet humble gesture will not escape the knowledge of the Almighty.