Fluvial procession test run a success; Palma, Gwen to join activity this Saturday

The practice run for the fluvial procession of the Sto. Niño image went well despite the looming threat of a rainy Saturday.

Acting Coast Guard-Cebu station commander Rodolfo Villajuan oversaw the test run for Saturday’s fluvial procession of sea vessels from Ouano wharf passing through Pasil fish port to Pier 1 which took an hour and 45 minutes.

Villajuan said the fluvial procession must start on time at 6 a.m to meet the target end time.

The MV Sto. Niño, a Spanish galleon-inspired vessel is ready to set sail after it was declared seaworthy by the Maritime Industries Authority (Marina).

A tugboat is prepared by the Coast Guard in case it conks out in the middle of the sea procession.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma will join the fluvial procession while former Cebu governor and now Rep. Gwendolyn Garcia of Cebu’s 3rd district also said she will join the fluvial procession this year.

In her Facebook account, Garcia said she is not dancing in this year’s Sinulog.

“These past few days, a number of you have been posting your questions on whether or not I would be dancing for the Sinulog this year…No, I will not be dancing in this year’s Sinulog. This time I will be staying in the sidelines. Why? Because circumstances change…and I am no longer the governor of Cebu,” she said in her post.

“But no matter how circumstances may change, there is one thing that will remain the same…my love and devotion to our beloved Sto. Niño. It is for this reason that I shall be joining the fluvial procession in His honor this Saturday,” she continued.

For those who cannot join the fluvial procession on Saturday they may watch the voyage from the first Mactan bridge, in Piers 5, 4,3,2,1 as it passes through Mactan channel. The Philippine Coast Guard strictly imposes a 75 percent carrying capacity for every vessel and motorized banca.