CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – “While the occasion is proving to be beneficial to the city in terms of tourism and business, the local government would rather encourage the public to join in the observance of the Holy Week.”
Thus said Mayor Oscar Rodriguez in his speech read by Councilor Jimmy Lazatin at the press conference of the “Maleldo 2009” on Thursday. The top councilor is the chairman of the executive committee.
“The annual re-enactment of the Crucifixion that places during this period in Barangay San Pedro Cutud is essentially religious in nature, as those directly involved fulfill personal vows of penitence,” added Rodriguez.
Supt. Benjamin Medina, city police chief, vowed to deploy at least 200 cops at the main crucifixion rites in Barangay San Pedro and two nearby villages – Sta. Lucia and San Juan – where the rites have been held over the past few years.
“This will be a very organized affair as we will designate adequate parking lots but absolutely no parking areas in the vicinity,” said Medina.
Lazatin said the city government had drawn measures and plans to ensure the safety of residents and tourists. “Not to mention the successful yet religious staging of the annual event,” added Lazatin.
Businessman Marnie Castro, co-chairman of the executive committee which represents the private sector, said: “It’s all systems go for the Holy Week festivity.”
Lazatin and Castro also welcomed Ruben Enaje, a native of this city which will be nailed on the cross for the the 23rd time next Friday. An international magazine recently featured him and the annual event in this city.
Asked if it will be his last time to be crucified on April 10, the 45-year-old painter said: “I will do it as long as I can.”
Barangay Captains Remigio De La Cruz of San Pedro, Benerito Aldana of Sta. Lucia, and Allan David of San Juan denied allegations that those who had joined the rites in their villages were paid just to be nailed on the cross.
Thus said Mayor Oscar Rodriguez in his speech read by Councilor Jimmy Lazatin at the press conference of the “Maleldo 2009” on Thursday. The top councilor is the chairman of the executive committee.
“The annual re-enactment of the Crucifixion that places during this period in Barangay San Pedro Cutud is essentially religious in nature, as those directly involved fulfill personal vows of penitence,” added Rodriguez.
Supt. Benjamin Medina, city police chief, vowed to deploy at least 200 cops at the main crucifixion rites in Barangay San Pedro and two nearby villages – Sta. Lucia and San Juan – where the rites have been held over the past few years.
“This will be a very organized affair as we will designate adequate parking lots but absolutely no parking areas in the vicinity,” said Medina.
Lazatin said the city government had drawn measures and plans to ensure the safety of residents and tourists. “Not to mention the successful yet religious staging of the annual event,” added Lazatin.
Businessman Marnie Castro, co-chairman of the executive committee which represents the private sector, said: “It’s all systems go for the Holy Week festivity.”
Lazatin and Castro also welcomed Ruben Enaje, a native of this city which will be nailed on the cross for the the 23rd time next Friday. An international magazine recently featured him and the annual event in this city.
Asked if it will be his last time to be crucified on April 10, the 45-year-old painter said: “I will do it as long as I can.”
Barangay Captains Remigio De La Cruz of San Pedro, Benerito Aldana of Sta. Lucia, and Allan David of San Juan denied allegations that those who had joined the rites in their villages were paid just to be nailed on the cross.
