BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The Diocese of Bacolod is urging the city government to shorten the curfew during the Simbang Gabi or predawn masses beginning Dec. 16.
Bishop Patricio Buzon suggested the curfew hours of 10 p.m. to 3 a.m. so that churches can reasonably accommodate churchgoers and at the same time prevent overcrowding.
In a proposal to Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Buzon stated that churches could schedule predawn masses between 3:30 a.m. and 5 a.m.
“In these difficult times, the people need more than ever, the Christmas spirit and the Yuletide cheer,” Buzon pointed out.
Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran, presiding officer of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, said the bishop’s request was forwarded to Councilor Archie Baribar, author of the city’s current curfew ordinance.
Although he doesn’t want to pre-empt the decision of the city council, Familiaran said he agrees with Buzon’s request, pointing out that the city could already be under the less restrictive modified general community quarantine next month.
“…(A)s long as the diocese maintains the current health protocols such as social distancing and requiring churchgoers to wear face masks and face shield,” said Familiaran.
Simbang Gabi is an old Filipino tradition observed from Dec. 16 until Christmas eve on Dec. 24./PN
