FOLLOWING the bombing at a Cathedral in Jolo, Sulu, Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio instructed the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) to implement a “No backpack policy” in places of worship in the city.
The Archdiocese of Davao followed it up with an advisory to churchgoers that they are not allowed to bring backpacks, knapsacks, and boxes or cartons to church; they are only allowed to bring small purses. The main objective of the policy is to ensure the safety and security of those going to places of worship.
However, just like some new policies, the first week of implementation was a rough start. The “No backpack policy” in places of worship in Davao City has caused a bit of a confusion and inconvenience to some Dabawenyos.
On Sunday, February 10, photos and rants by some churchgoers on the new policy were being shared online. We saw photos of churchgoers having the mass outside while the rants were more on how the policy has caused inconvenience to churchgoers.
While some followed the policy by not bringing a backpack or knapsack, there were those who were still prevented from entering the church for bringing a sling bag or a handbag, which were not included among the type of bags one cannot bring at the church.
PSSCC head Benito De Leon said to avoid inconvenience churchgoers are advised to bring a bag that is the size of a small purse that can hold cash, keys, cellphone, or other essential items.
For the second week, we hope that there will be a much clearer implementation on the policy for places of worship.
It is great to see Dabawenyos still hearing the mass outside the church despite not being allowed to enter. As Mutya ng Davao 2018 Shelah Faye Juntilla puts it, this in an act of great faith. However, the implementation of the policy cannot be as it was on Sunday. Authorities and the church must improve the efficiency of how it is being implemented.
It would be great if the church can also provide a bit of convenience to those who will be hearing the mass outside the church next Sunday. Having people stand up outside looks like as if the church is punishing them for not following rules. The church can start by providing chairs or a tent for those who are outside; at least make the environment for worshippers much more conducive.
Whatever the case may be, for now we Dabawenyos have to follow the policy. We will just have to bring small purses to church for now. At least it is for our own security. However, we hope that the church and authorities will improve the implementation as to not cause inconvenience to churchgoers and make the worship experience much better and conducive.