The Mandaue City Council has passed a resolution appealing to the Archdiocese of Cebu and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu to restore the traditional route of the fluvial procession for the Fiesta Señor celebrations in 2027.
The appeal comes after several spectators stationed at viewing decks in Mandaue City said they were unable to see—or were too far from—the image of Señor Santo Niño during this year’s fluvial parade.
The council unanimously approved the resolution on January 19, expressing collective support for the request.
Councilor Carlo Fortuna said the fluvial procession remains one of the most anticipated highlights of the Fiesta Señor, with Mandauehanons participating out of deep devotion and faith in the Child Jesus.
“Many devotees wake up as early as 3 a.m. to secure good viewing spots along the Mandaue–Mactan Bridge, nearby wharves, and Mandani Bay,” Fortuna said.
He added that several faithful waited for hours to see the Santo Niño, but the galleon did not come near or make a full pass.
“For this reason, the council is appealing to the Archdiocese and the Minor Basilica to restore the old route for next year’s Fiesta Señor,” he said.
Fortuna suggested using a smaller vessel, similar to traditional galleons, so devotees along the shoreline can clearly see the image of the Santo Niño.
“This is part of the devotion. When the Santo Niño passes, people sing and pray,” he said.
Councilor Raul Kevin Cabahug, who was at Mandani Bay during the procession, echoed the concern, noting that many devotees were disappointed despite feeling the presence of the Santo Niño.
“People stayed awake overnight or woke up early to secure viewing spots, only to be disappointed,” Cabahug said. “A smaller galleon that passes closer to the shore can allow everyone to see and express their faith.”
He added that the fluvial procession should be experienced by all devotees, not only those aboard the vessel.
“The true spirit of the celebration is when people can really feel and connect with the Holy Child,” Cabahug said.
The council hopes the Church will consider the appeal in time for Fiesta Señor 2027.
Meanwhile, the Minor Basilica clarified that safety considerations prompted this year’s fluvial route.
Basilica media liaison Rev. Fr. Jules Van Almerez, OSA, said a tabletop exercise conducted with the Philippine Coast Guard found that waters near the Mandaue City viewing decks were too shallow for Lite Ferry 10, the largest galleon used to date.
“Navigating closer to the viewing decks would have posed safety risks,” Almerez said, adding that the decision prioritized the safety of the galleon and its passengers.
He also clarified that the galleon has not passed beneath the first bridge since 2018 due to safety and security concerns.
“This was announced during the dry run of the fluvial procession, so reports suggesting otherwise were inaccurate,” he added. (VCL)
