LOW tide and an accident between two marine vessels didn’t matter in the scheme of things during the seaborne procession of the image of the Birhen sa Regla in Lapu-Lapu City yesterday, Nov. 12.
It took an hour and 45 minutes to transport The Virgin’s holy image to usher the 283rd Feast of the Birhen sa Regla on Nov. 21.
The seaborne procession is on its 18th year.
Lapu-Lapu City Police Chief Sr. Supt. Limuel Obon said the outriggers of the two pump boats during the procession collided. The procession was coming from the Pacific Cebu Resort (PCR) in Barangay Suba-basbas and sailed the Mactan Channel.
No one was reported hurt, but members of the Philippine Coast Guard came to the site since the two boats had a number of passengers.
There were about 80 vessels that joined the procession, among those belonging to the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Red Cross and volunteers from dive shops in Lapu-Lapu City.
Although preparations reached all the way to daybreak, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza thanked the committees for the successful event.
Rev. Fr. Bernard Corpuz, parish priest of Birhen sa Regla Church, reminded devotees the message of the Birhen sa Regla on love, humility, service to the community, and spreading the good news and the teachings of the Holy Father.
Since the Coast Guard had announced potential interruption on the operations of the Metro Ferry based in Muelle, passengers cancelled trips to mainland Cebu. (from FVQ of SuperBalita Cebu)