1 month ago
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CEBU CITY — A day before the feast of the Sto. Niño de Cebu, an estimated 1.4 million devotees joined the solemn foot procession on Saturday in an utter show of unwavering devotion to Cebu's beloved Holy Child.
This year's turnout exceeded last year's 1.2 million.
The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) reported that the event proceeded with-out major issues despite the heat and overwhelming crowd.
Around 160 participants sought medical attention for dizziness, dehydration, and exhaustion, with most cases linked to the warm weather and limited space.
The route spanning 5.7 kilometers started at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu and passed through Os-meña Boulevard, General Maxilom Avenue, Imus Avenue, and MJ Cuenco Avenue before returning to the Basilica.
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The procession was over two hours earlier than expected. The carroza of the Sto. Niño completed the route in just over three hours. Officials attributed the pace to the devotion of participants braving the heat and rushing to the Basili-ca.
Cebu City Councilor Joel Garganera, who took charge of the security for this year's Sinulog, highlighted the historic nature of the procession, noting that it set a new record in terms of speed.
He also mentioned that most medical incidents involved ROTC and NSTP students managing crowd control, who were exposed to extreme heat.
LtCol. Jomar Medil of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) commended the smooth implementation of security pro-tocols.
Organizers enforced a three-layer security system, starting with students holding ropes to guide the crowd, fol-lowed by personnel from Task Group Cebu, and finally police officers from across Central Visayas securing the in-ner procession.
Devotees were strictly prohibited from joining midway, a measure Medil said ensured an orderly event.
Saturday's celebrations culminated with a solemn vespers mass at the Basilica. Most Rev. Ruben Labajo empha-sized during his homily the spirit of unity among the faithful, likening the procession to the Church's journey as a "pilgrim church."
"The traditional practice of procession, from a Catholic perspective, is a symbolic forward movement that charac-teriz-es our nature as a pilgrim church," said Labajo.
He called on participants to embrace patience and perseverance during the procession and in life's spiritual jour-ney.
The Sinulog grand parade was held on Sunday, where 45 contingents showcased their artistry and devotion in one of the biggest events in recent years.
Over 40 first aid stations have been set up along the parade route, and participants have been urged to stay hy-drated, wear comfortable clothing, and be cautious of their health during the long hours of festivities.
Massive crowds were expected at the Cebu City Sports Center, with roads leading to the venue closed to traffic to ac-commodate the Sinulog contingents, their props, and floats.
This year's celebration promises a vibrant blend of faith, culture, and tradition, solidifying Cebu's identity as the home of the Sto. Niño.
