City dad eyes no physical activities for Holy Week

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Councilor Philip Zafra is contemplating on proposing a measure that prohibits physical activities during this year’s Holy Week.

Zafra, who heads council’s committee on peace and order, said that activities should be presented via digital platforms of different parishes.

This is to limit the movement of the people due to the existing community quarantine.

His proposal also includes no procession during Good Friday.

“Pwede ra tingale iparada ang mga imahe, pero dapat walay daghang tawo nga magsunod. Part pa na sa atong recommendation,” according to Zafra.

He added that he will consult the church officials on his proposal and he will submit it to the Emergency Operations Center for approval.

“Mas maayo nga mag-online lang sa ta karon kay grabe naman gud ang pagsaka sa kaso sa COVID-19. Hinuon amo pa kini i-recommend sa EOC kun unsa ang ilang desisyon, among respetuhon,” he said.

Zafra said that health crisis may have disrupted some church activities but has not altered the faith of the Catholic individuals.

Lenten activities include Visita Iglesia, Via Cruces, traditional blessing of palm, “sugat,” Good Friday Veneration of the Cross, among others.

Zafra pointed out that the people can still observe the activities differently yet meaningful Holy Week.

Holy Week begins on Palm Sunday on March 28 and ends on Easter Sunday on April 4.

Last year, Holy Week activities in the Archdiocese of Cebu were cancelled when the coronavirus started taking its toll in the country. — GMR (FREEMAN)