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Saturday, January 14, 2006
Packing one’s hopes in a container van
By Rene H. Martel
Sun.Star Staff Reporter
Compared to the comforts of a home, the Devotee City leaves much to be desired.
But for out-of-town vendors and pilgrims who are used to sleeping in the streets, the 50 container vans that shelter them for the Sinulog festivities are “gifts from heaven.”
“Dako na kaayo ning gasa namo uy kay lasbi ari mi sa sidewalk mangatulog nga lisod na kuyaw pa (It’s such a blessing for us to have shelter, otherwise we would have to sleep on the sidewalks),” said Josephine Lapinid, 34, of Tangub, Pinamungajan town.
Yesterday, vendors of candles, buri hats and other items that sell during the Sinulog were the first registrants at the Devotee City.
Sto. Niño devotees from neighboring towns and provinces are expected to arrive today to visit the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, join this afternoon’s procession and witness tomorrow’s grand parade.
Located beside the fabled walls of the Fort San Pedro, with the statue of the chronicler Antonio Pigafetta towering above them, several of the devotees lay sleeping or chatting on cartons and heat-resistant sheets.
The vendors came to Cebu very early yesterday, the opening of the Devotee City, and were treated to a small program on a makeshift stage.
Nightly activities will be held, until the devotees “check out” at noon this Monday.
Laurencia Lapis, 60, of Poblacion, Toledo City, has been selling candles during the Sinulog even before the Devotee City was first set up 10 years ago.
She used to sleep on the cold pavement of the Basilica sidewalk, but the Devotee City changed that, Lapis said.
Survivors
The heat inside the container vans is punishing during the day, but Fe Bubuli, also of Toledo, said it is a small price to pay. Besides, she added, they sell during the day and use the vans only at night.
Street peddlers Marco and his friend Andy, 15, have also decided to register at the Devotee City during the Sinulog. (The boys’ real names are being withheld.)
Marco, 17, said he ran away from home in Davao City, sick of his stepfather’s excesses.
He sought the help of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), which housed him when he first arrived in Cebu City as a stowaway. He thought he could stay and get adopted, but was told he would be sent back home.
For a living, Marco and Andy, of Cagayan de Oro City, peddle cigarettes, wash dishes in a nearby carenderia, and sell discarded empty plastic bottles for P17 per kilo.
Cedric Tumulak II, Devotee City action officer, said they shelter all those from outside Cebu City who are looking for a place to stay but cannot afford one.
House rules
They have rules to follow, like avoiding liquor, cigarettes and gambling, but the occupants do not mind because they feel safe.
Tumulak said that aside from policemen, tanods from Barangays San Roque and Sto. Niño stand guard 24 hours a day.
Perennial sponsors, such as San Miguel Corp. that gave goods and the Aboitiz Group of Companies that provided the vans, also help make the Devotee City a presentable one, he said.
Tumulak said the Devotee City has come a long way since it was established in 1996.
Although it was planned to house those who pay homage to the Holy Child, it has also taken care of those trying to eke a living and those who are simply looking for a roof over their heads.
All these years, Pigafetta’s statue has been a mute witness to that.
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (January 14, 2006 issue)
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