BAÑOC
Wine is a mocker and beer a brawler; whoever is led astray by them is not wise.”- (Proverbs 20:21 New International Version).
The Bible warned us about the negative effect of wine and any substance mixed with liquor. The above-mentioned verse is supported by another Bible verse which states, “Do not join those who drink too much wine or gorge themselves on meat, for drunkards and gluttons become poor, and drowsiness clothes them in rags. (Proverbs 23:20-21)
However other Bible verse says,” Go, eat your food with gladness, and drink your wine with a joyful heart, for God has already approved what you do.” (Ecclesiastes 9:7). Also in the New Testament, no less than Jesus Christ made wine during the wedding at Cana in Galilee.
If we carefully read the different verses of the Bible, we find out that drinking wine or any substance with liquor is not absolutely prohibited. What is forbidden is the excessive taking of alcohol because it can make a person crazy.
The Bible further says, “Drink no longer water, but use a little wine for thy stomach’s sake and thine often infirmities. (1 Timothy 5:23).” The warning on every alcohol product to drink moderately and responsibly has basis in the Bible.
The problem of most people, especially the young ones who get drunk during Sinulog, is that they take excessive alcohol. In the previous experiences, people who joined the street parties and drunks are already controlled by the liquor that they drank.
In my observation, it seems that those people do not know the essence of the fiesta celebration of the Holy Child, the Sto. Niño. It is noteworthy that even if there is a socio-cultural and tourism promotional aspect of the celebration, the same is anchored on the faith of the Sto. Niño. So, for people to get drunk and become rowdy is somewhat unlikely and undesirable.
The move of Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña to implement the liquor ban during Sinulog is highly commendable. After all, everyone wants to have a peaceful and orderly Sinulog festivity.
The mayor’s executive order regulates the stores from selling alcoholic beverages during Sinulog festival. Business establishments are regulated to sell liquors only inside their premises in the days prior to January 21, the Sinulog Grand Parade. There is total ban on selling alcoholic beverages on that very day of the Fiesta Señor.
There is also a ban on entertainment such as street parties, events, concerts, shows, etcetera within the 300-meter radius of the Sinuolg parade and the solemn procession route. It is high time for the government to regulate people’s activities that are disturbing to others.
I think every Catholic who is matured in their faith can perfectly understand the spirit of the mayor’s order. Hence, it is easy for them to embrace and cooperate. Only those people who have an agenda other than focusing on their devotions to the Sto. Niño will get hurt by the said order.
Such kind of order is very simple. But it needs a leader with political will to skillfully execute it.
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