CEBU Archbishop Jose Palma is planning to ask Malacañang to declare the weeklong International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) from January to 24 to 31 a holiday in Cebu.
Palma said it is Cebu’s privilege to host the IEC which is not just a religious event but a cultural one.
“Just like APEC, I wish Malacañang will declare IEC a holiday (in Cebu), so that people can help welcoming the delegates and contribute to the festive ambiance of the celebration,” said Palma.
He said a holiday would also ease traffic congestion in the city as 15,000 delegates gather in the IEC Pavillon in Mabolo for spiritual talks and Masses.
He said organizers will have to assess this proposed request during his meeting in Manila this afternoon.
Archdiocese officials met with Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama on Tuesday as part of coordination for the international event.
Auxiliary Bishop Dennis Villarojo, IEC secretary general, who earlier said that the Archdiocese preferred not to remove the trees in the center island along Pope John Paul II Avenue, told CDN
they will abide with the city’s plans to have the trees removed to ensure the successful holding of the IEC.
The decision was made during a meeting withMayor Rama , Archbishop Palma, Villarojo, Cebu City’s Traffic Operations Chief Jonathan Tumulak and disaster chief Councilor Dave Tumulak.
Although the church asked the city to conduct a legitimate study on the removal of trees, Villarojo said, “Mao man gyud iyang baroganan (that is his stand). We will have to abide with the city for the betterment of the whole event.”
Rama said the removal will ease the traffic flow for the IEC but so far no permit has been issued by the DENR for the proposed earthballing.