Thursday, December 21, 2006 Devotee City gets P400T from council
THE Cebu City Council yesterday set aside over P400,000 for the logistical needs of the Devotee City, a temporary shelter for worshippers from distant places paying homage to the Sto. Niño.
The amount will be used for supplies, materials, food, as well as medicine.
Although not much of a shelter, the Devotee City, being made up of rows of container vans lent by shipping firms, has served thousands of out-of-town vendors and pilgrims since its inception in 1996.
The amount the City Council approved will be charged to the City’s share of Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) funds because it can no longer be included in the 2007 annual budget, which was passed early this month.
Approved
City Councilor Edwin Jagmoc Sr. sponsored the resolution asking for P420,852.80, which the committee handling the Devotee City proposed to him.
He said Mayor Tomas Osmeña already approved the amount, and agreed to deduct it from the P3 million the City receives from Pagcor each month.
The Devotee City, located beside the fabled walls of the Fort San Pedro, appears like a spruced up container yard.
But City Hall has always supplied the devotees with electricity, water, and mats aside from a 24-hour security provided by policemen and Barangay San Roque and Sto. Niño tanods.
Assistance
Corporate sponsors are again expected to extend assistance.
The City imposes house rules inside the Devotee City, like the ban on drinking liquor, smoking and gambling but occupants do not mind because they feel safe.
And although it was planned to house those who pay homage to the Holy Child, the Devotee City has also taken care of those trying to eke a living and those who are simply looking for a roof over their heads.
Before the City set up the Devotee City, candle vendors and those who could not afford to rent rooms were content to sleep on the sidewalks. (RHM)
