ORGANIZERS of the fluvial procession will submit their request for a permit for Saturday’s event at the Mactan Channel to the Philippine Coast Guard today.
Mildred Simolde of the Mandaue Sto. Niño Association said they didn’t ask for a permit for previous fluvial processions since Coast Guard did not require one.
“We need a written request since we also coordinate with other agencies such as the Marina, the Philippine Navy and the PNP Maritime Unit for the safety of the event,” Coast Guard Cebu station commander Lt. Commander Agapito Bibat said.
He said sea marshalls will be deployed to guide the participating vessels during the procession.
The Mactan Channel will be closed from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. on January 15 for the fluvial procession, which will bring the image of the Señor Santo Niño back to the basilica.
The event is expected to draw 400 sea vessels based on last year’s registered participants. As of Monday, Bibat said 32 vessels have registered in their office.
A flower drop will be done by two training planes of Indiana Aerospace University (IAU).
Simolde said the farewell Mass at the National Shrine of St. Joseph will start at 3 a.m. on Saturday followed by a foot procession towards the Ouano compound in Barangay Looc where the Galeon will be waiting.