THE City Government of Bacolod will impose the adjusted curfew hours from 11 p.m. to 3 a.m. effective Wednesday, December 16.
This was stressed by Councilor Archie Baribar after the Diocese of Bacolod earlier asked the city officials to shorten the current hours, as it prepares for the early morning Aguinaldo masses or "Simbang Gabi" starting Wednesday.
Baribar said in a radio interview Tuesday, December 15, that the adjusted curfew hours will only be implemented until December 31.
"After December 31, the curfew hours will be implemented from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. based on the approved city ordinance," he said.
Under the modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), a daily curfew shall be observed by the general public from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. in consonance with Section 3 of City Ordinance 934, Series of 2020, dated August 5, 2020.
Diocese of Bacolod Bishop Patricio Buzon earlier sent a letter to Mayor Evelio Leonardia, requesting for a review of the existing curfew hours to accommodate the traditional Aguinaldo masses.
Under Buzon's proposal, they can schedule a 3:30 a.m. and 5 a.m. Aguinaldo masses.
He said that in these difficult times, the people need, more than ever, the Christmas spirit and the Yuletide cheer.
The composite team of emergency operations center will also be deployed to various churches to ensure the strict implementation of health protocols.
The Aguinaldo masses, which are held at dawn, is a Filipino tradition and is observed from December 16 until Christmas Eve on December 24.