Church steps up call for IEC host families

THE Cebu Archdiocese encouraged families in the cities of Cebu and Mandaue to accommodate a number of delegates during the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) in January next year.
Msgr. Ruben Labajo, over-all chairman of the IEC Accommodations Committee, said it’s been a challenge for the archdiocese in looking for those who are willing to serve as “host families.”

So far, there are 127 households who registered as host families for the IEC delegates.

But the number is way below their projected 1,000 families  that they hope will accommodate the delegates. Organizers expect 15,000 delegates to attend the 51st IEC to be held in Cebu City from Jan. 24 to 31, 2016.

Though most of the delegates prefer to stay at the hotels, the IEC-Cebu Organizing Committee is preparing for delegates who want to live with local families.

Those who want to serve as host families need to register with their respective parishes. An orientation will also be given by the accommodation committee.

Host families are tasked to take care of the delegates during the week-long congress, as well as prepare breakfast for the visitors.

They also have the responsibility to bring the pilgrims to the drop-off and pick-up points for a carousel-type transportation that will take them to the venues.