BY IME SORNITO AND RUBY SILUBRICO
ILOILO – Preparations are underway for the expected influx of devotees during this year’s Simbang Gabi, the traditional Masses before Christmas, starting Dec. 16, according to the Archdiocese of Jaro and the Police Regional Office 6 (PRO-6).
“Given last year ang kataason sang (coronavirus disease 2019) cases, damo ang nagsimba. How much more nga open na ang tanan,” said Father Angelo Colada, director of the Archdiocese of Jaro’s Commission on Social Communications.
Iloilo city and province and other parts of Region 6 are under the less restrictive Alert Level 2. But despite this, Colada said the enforcement of the health protocols remains.
“Just what like what we did last year, iban nga priests nag-add sang misa. Instead nga isa ka misa, ginahimu nga duha para ang iban nga tawo ma-cater,” Colada added.
To ensure social distancing, other parishes will hold Masses in covered gyms, among other open spaces.
While mass gatherings in churches are allowed at 50 percent capacity under Alert Level 2, strict health protocols shall be put in place.
According to Colada, churches should not become sources of coronavirus transmission.
At the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, devotees shall follow the markers placed on pews.
Hand sanitizers are also being placed at the entrance of the church, and communion by hand and the strict “one entrance, one exit” policies are observed.
Colada also encouraged senior citizens to stay home and attend Masses online or via television.
“But sa makaya kag maayo ang lawas, wala sang maka-substitute sa real presence naton to attend this liturgical celebration,” Colada added.
On the other hand, PRO-6 spokesperson, Police Lieutenant Colonel Arnel Solis said all city and provincial directors down to police chiefs will enforce maximum police visibility.
PRO-6’s “Oplan Ligtas Paskuhan” is also tapping barangay officials to assist in the enforcement of health protocols.
On the other hand, the Iloilo City Police Office (ICPO) through its spokesperson, Police Major Shella Mae Sangrines said the police security is all set.
Police will also be detailed not only in churches but in public plazas.
“Masami ang aton mga kabataan ma-estambay sa plaza wala man nagasimba. As much as possible, indi mag-stay sa plaza para malikaw sa gamo kag krimen,” said Sangrines./PN
