CEBU Auxiliary Bishop Ruben Labajo asked for help from the local government of San Remigio to preserve the surrounding area of the Capelinha de Fatima Cebu, which is located in Barangay Tacup-Lambusan.
Labajo expressed his concern during the Capelinha's Coffee Table Book Launch on Friday, February 17, 2023, saying it is important to the pilgrims that the holiness and ambiance of the place are maintained.
The Capelinha de Fatima Cebu is the fourth replica in the world and the first in Asia of the original chapel of apparitions in Cova de Iria, Fatima, Portugal where the Our Lady of Fatima appeared to three shepherd children, Francisco, Jacinta, and Lucia, every 13th day of the months of May to October 1917.
Labajo said a prominent feature of the pilgrim site is that the three-hectare lot offers a clear overlooking view of the sea.
But he worries that the area behind the religious site, which is not owned by the archdiocese, might later be used to erect tall structures that will obscure the view.
San Remigio Vice Mayor Mariano Martinez, who was in attendance, assured the bishop that the concern was already brought up to the executive legislative agenda.
"Aside from height restrictions [of buildings] sa mga areas na overlooking the sea, we also are encouraging same color scheme sana. So at least, when people go there, the buildings and roofings are of similar colors," Martinez added.
He promised that the San Remigio government will support and help the conservation of the religious site, which has already drawn visitors from all over the country. (Jenika Gi-An C. Nero, STC intern)