ALL devotees coming from any part of Cebu island are allowed to attend all religious activities in the coming fiesta celebration of Lapu-Lapu City from November 6 to November 20,2021.
Vendors who are not residents of Lapu-Lapu City are also allowed to join the fiesta activities, but they are not allowed to sell their wares.
The Fiesta Committee, in their meeting on Wednesday, October 27, discussed Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan’s Executive Order (EO) 2021-061 or the draft fiesta guidelines for possible modifications and fine-tuning.
Nuestra Señora Virgen dela Regla Parish priest Fr. Renante Joseph Ga, First Lady Cindi King-Chan, City Police Director Police Colonel Arnel Banzon, and traffic czar Mario Napule were among those who attended the meeting.
Mayor Chan’s secretary Lawyer Misaellee Tejano presented the salient points of the EO for discussion.
First Lady Cindi King-Chan told reporters in an interview after the meeting that there might be changes on the guidelines if the city's classification will change. At present, Lapu-Lapu City is under Alert Level 2.
Section 1 of the EO states that the minimum public health standards must be strictly observed in all social, cultural, and religious activities.
There will be a motorcade on November 6, in place of "Walk with Mary." November 11 is the start of Novena Masses. The grand motorcade will happen on November 19, 2021.
“We do not allow fireworks or pabuto, along the route during the motorcade for everyone’s safety,” the first lady said.
She said, however, there will be a safe and designated fireworks area during the grand motorcade.
Section 3 of the EO states that indoor church facilities shall only allow 50 percent indoor capacity while its outdoor capacity is 70 percent.
Section 3 also states that senior citizens will be allowed to attend novena masses. Minors who are 15 years old and below are prohibited to attend any of the religios activities.
Would-be vendors should be registered voters and residents of Lapu-Lapu City. They must secure a Mayor’s special permit, upon endorsement of the Tourism, Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission (TCHAC) or Fiesta Committee.
There will be designated areas for vendors.
They may sell any of the following items: religious artifacts, candles, flowers, balloons, food and snacks, souvenir products, items produced in Lapu-Lapu City and other items approved by TCHAC or Fiesta Committee.
The holding of a thanksgiving feast on November 20 or 21, is allowed in Section 7 of the EO, “provided that there shall be compliance with the mandatory public health and safety standards.”
“Naa na ‘na nato noh, di sab ta magpalabi, naa na ‘na sa mga families to be cautious of their visitors for their safety and health,” Cindi told reporters.
The Fiesta Committee will meet again for the fine-tuning of their guidelines. (PR)