Mayor Chan issues guidelines for Holy Week 2021

Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan issues guidelines for the observance of the Holy Week in his city. | Photo by Futch Anthony Inso

LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippine – Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan has issued an Executive Order (E.O.) detailing the guidelines for the observance of the upcoming Holy Week from March 29 to April 4, 2021.

E.O. No. 2021-014 or An Order Establishing Guidelines in the Observance of 2021 Holy Week Activities in the City of Lapu-Lapu, was signed by the mayor on Monday, March 23, 2021.

Chan said that the E.O. prohibits devotional processions such as the Visita Iglesia on Maundy Thursday; Via Crucis on Fridays of Lent; Santo Entierro and La Soledad processions on Good Friday; and the Sugat at the dawn of Easter Sunday.

He said that the restriction was based on the decision of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines and the Archdiocese of Cebu.

The E.O. also prohibits the conduct of home visitations by the “apostles”; Pasyon/pabasa in the chapels or homes; prayer meetings in any sort; and the holding of processions.

Chan, however, allows the conduct of a motorcade, but with only a maximum number of 10 vehicles.

It also allows a uniform schedule of physical masses, provided that the 50% venue capacity be strictly observed.

Meanwhile, for Oponganons who wish to buy ingredients for “Binignit,” the mayor provided a designated area for vendors to prevent congestion in the main building of the Lapu-Lapu City Public Market.

“Anha nato ibutang sa may KP Rizal St. Naa tay area diha nga adto magpundok didto ang mga sagol, anha gawas sa merkado aron dili sila magdasok,” Chan said.

Chan added that the E.O. still restricts children, 15 years old and below, and senior citizens, 65 years old and above, from going out of their residences, as well as those who are immuno-compromise and with comorbidities. /rcg