The Malacañang on Monday, April 12, proclaimed April 14, 2021, as a Special Non-Working Holiday in Cebu City in line with the quincentennial celebration of Christianity’s arrival in the Philippines. The Palace issued Proclamation No. 1130 on Monday, titled “Declaring Wednesday, 14 April 2021, A Special (Non-Working) Day in the City of Cebu”.
April 14 a Special Non-Working Holiday in Cebu City, Malacañan Palace declares
It was signed by Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, and copies of the proclamation were also furnished to members of the media.
The Archdiocese of Cebu, together with local government officials and law enforcement agencies, is also expected to conduct a ceremonial reenactment of the first baptism this Wednesday in Plaza Sugbo, right beside Magellan’s Cross in downtown Cebu City.
Proclamation No. 1130
The activities on Wednesday, April 14, include the following:
- Reenactment of the First Baptism in front of the Magellan’s Cross, Plaza Sugbo – 2 PM
- Pontifical Mass in commemoration of the 500 Years of Christianity in front of the Magellan’s Cross – 4 PM
- Declaration of Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño and the Snr. Sto. Niño image as National Cultural Treasures at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño Pilgrim Center – 5:30 PM
- Blessing of the Sto. Niño exhibit at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño Museum – 6 PM
- Cultural events at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño Pilgrim Center – 7:30 PM
But only 700 people, including church leaders, workers, and organizers, were allowed to physically attend the event. The Malacañan Palace, however, reminded the people of Cebu City to observe the minimum health protocols, like social distancing, among others, during the celebration to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Roman Catholic church in Cebu also has a month-long lineup of activities for the celebration of the 500 Years of Christianity in the Philippines.
ALSO READ: Famous Festivals in Cebu to Celebrate All Year Round
The first baptism in the archipelago took place in Cebu on April 14, 1521, when Spanish priests administered sacraments to Rajah Humabon, his wife Queen Juana, and several of their subjects.
