Budget for Cebu’s Devotee City approved

Acting Vice Mayor Michael Rama signed and approved the Cebu City Council resolution that allocates P500,000 as 2009 budget of the Devotee City, the temporary shelter for Sto. Niño devotees who come to Cebu every January.

Councilor Edwin Jagmoc, who authored the resolution, said he was happy that the budget was approved this early so they can make proper preparations for the construction of the Devotee City before the Sinulog festival.

The P500,000 budget will be used for the purchase of plywood for the floor, construction of fences, medicines and vitamins for children, and food for more than 100 volunteers who will ensure safety and order within the Devotee City.    

Around 72 container vans are transformed into makeshift shelters for out-of-Cebu devotees who will visit Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño every third Sunday of January. Around 1,900 “guests” can be accommodated at the Devotee City, said Jagmoc, who also heads the Devotee City committee.

The 20-footer vans are stationed in a vacant lot beside Fort San Pedro at the Plaza Indepencia. Out-of-town pilgrims are received on a first-come, first-served basis.

To qualify for a space, a visitor has to show boat or bus tickets as well as valid identification such as a barangay clearance or community tax certificate as proof that they are out-of-towners.

This rule discourages revelers from Cebu City and nearby areas from taking advantage of the free lodging.

Transients and Sto. Niño devotees who would avail of free accommodation at the Devotee City would be given free food such as noodles, bread and ice cream. Children are also given vitamins and free medicines will be on stand by in cases of illnesses and emergencies.

The accommodation includes a bath area and a dirty kitchen where devotees could prepare their own meals. The Metro Cebu Water District will provide potable water, she said. Policemen and barangay watchmen will provide security.

Jagmoc said these added benefits that await transients who plan to visit Cebu for the annual celebration of the feast of the Sto. Niño is aimed at discouraging these transients from sleeping on sidewalks and city streets. #