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CEBU CITY, Philippines (UPDATED) – “Pag invite namo ni sister, ganahan jud me mangadto (When sister invited us to go, we were really excited to come),” said Reina Baratug, a high school teacher from Tudela, Camotes Islands.
Baratug came to Cebu City to attend the International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) with two of her co-teachers, along with Sister Maria Lenora Avadilla of the Daughters of St Theresa. Tudela is a 5th class municipality in the small group of islands 3 hours away from Cebu City.
While some delegates have complained about the “disorganized” start of the conference, Avadilla, and Baratug and her co-teachers said they are trying to make the most out of the experience.
They teach at the Immaculate Concepcion Institute, the only Catholic high school in Tudela town.
Avadilla said that while the audio at the IEC is not clear sometimes – a common complaint among the delegates – she likes the program. “Nindot gyud kaayo ang experience (It’s been a really good experience),” she said.
During the week-long conference, the Catholic Church will take on issues like explaining the Eucharist, address issues about the Mass, and discuss its impact on society.
‘God will find a way’
While the group had to pay for their own travel and some of the registration fees, they were grateful that they were placed in one of the families hosting pilgrims.
So far, so good
Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma said in a news briefing on Monday that preparations for the major event were “beyond our expectations,” referring to the generally smooth flow of the 51st IEC despite intermittent rains.
“The sermon, the message of the cardinal, was so inspiring. The choir, the whole participation was very inspiring for many,” he said.
Palma made the statement as it continued to rain in Cebu City. The city experienced intermittent downpours on Monday, as delegates began to leave the IEC Pavilion in Mabolo. Rains continued on Tuesday, the third day of the conference.
Some delegates also complained of minor problems, such as the delayed release of IEC IDs, the “extreme heat” at the opening mass at the Plaza Independencia, and the unclear audio both at the IEC venue and at the mass, where Myanmar Archbishop Charles Maung Bo called on delegates to proactively fight poverty. (READ: Pope envoy at IEC wants ‘World War 3’ vs poverty)
Authorities did not report any security problems, so far, as thousands of delegates from all over the world gathered in Cebu City.
Around 8,000 military and police were deployed to secure the event. Region 7 Acting Director Chief Superintendent Manny Gaerlan said that in addition to monitoring security threats, his task force is also prepared to handle disaster situations. (READ: PNP to Cebuanos Help protect visitors)
There are an estimated 5,000 volunteers serving at the week-long event, where big names in the Catholic Church. (READ: IEC 2016: Terrorism, climate change seen on agenda)
Class suspensions were announced in early January in anticipation of the conference, in several private and public schools in Cebu City, Mandaue City, and Lapu Lapu City.
On Tuesday, Myanmar Archbishop Charles Maung Bo will visit the Cebu Provincial Detention and Rehabilitation Center and underprivileged children in Pasil, Cebu City. (READ: Pope’s envoy to visit Cebu’s dancing inmates)
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