CEBU (RVA News): In marking the 456th founding anniversary of Cebu, the oldest city in the Philippines, the provincial government organised a grand procession on August 31, showcasing the patron saints of the island province’s 44 municipalities, six component cities, and three highly urbanised cities.
The “Pasundayag sa Pagtoo” [Display of Faith], was slated to hightlight not only Cebu’s profound spiritual heritage but also its rich traditions, hist orical narratives, artistic expressions, and enduring cultural legacy.
Cebu is often hailed as the cradle of Christianity in Asia, with Cebuanos renowned for fervent expressions of faith manifested through vibrant religious festivals, solemn processions, novenas, and a deep reverence for saints as models of virtue and intercessors in heaven.
This devotion is visible across the 60 parish churches of the Archdiocese of Cebu, each dedicated to a particular saint.
According to Provincial Tourism Officer, Rowena Lu Montecillo, while Pasundayag sa Pagtoo is fundamentally a cultural affair, it aligns with the Church’s proclamation of the Jubilee Year 2025.
Participating municipalities and cities were scheduled to present images of their patron saints on carrozas [carriages] adorned with vibrant flowers and other elaborate decorations that reflect the artistry and craftsmanship inherited from the Spanish era. Local officials were to coordinate with their parish priests for religious images, carrozas, and other needed materials, while the provincial government pledged subsidies for each participating municipality and city.
Traditional music, chants, and prayers distinctive were to accompany the images, offering a vivid display of Cebu’s intangible cultural heritage.
Pasundayag sa Pagtoo is a platform for each town and city to showcase their ecclesiastical arts, local traditions, and heritage practices, thereby nurturing Cebuano identity and strengthening collaboration among local government units.
The procession was scheduled to start at the Cebu Provincial Capitol and conclude at Plaza Independencia with a closing programme followed by a Eucharistic celebration.
As we celebrate the 500 years of Christianity in the Philippines. The Chaplaincy to Filipino Migrants organises an on-line talk every Tuesday at 9.00pm. You can join us at:
https://www.Facebook.com/CFM-Gifted-to-give-101039001847033
The Cebu provincial government is also set to coordinate with the Archdiocese of Cebu for support and collaboration.
Montecillo confirmed that a formal invitation had been extended to Archbishop Emeritus and apostolic administrator, Jose Palma, to preside at the Mass.
