By Lyka Manalo
BATANGAS CITY — More than 30 small boats with devotees yesterday joined the annual fluvial procession to show their strong faith to patron Sto. Niño which they believe provides safety from calamities and gives guidance to succeed.
Batangas City Mayor Beverley Rose Dimacuha-Mariño and husband, Congressman Marvey Mariño led the Pagoda with Father Aurelio Dimaapi, parish priest of the Basilica of Immaculate Conception and other local officials.
Batangueño devotees of Sto. Niño join the annual fluvial procession in Batangas on Friday, January 5, 2018.
(Lyka Manalo / MANILA BULLETIN)
The image of Sto Niño was fetched at the basilica then proceeded with a motorcade to Batangas City Convention Center where a cultural presentation was held with a theme “Alay sa Sto. Niñong Mahal; Para sa Tagumpay.”
The presentation was participated by students from Marian Learning Center and Science High School, Colegio ng Lungsod ng Batangas, Lyceum of the Philippines University-Batangas, Casa Del Bambino Emmanuel Montessori, University of Batangas, Golden Gate Colleges, Batangas State University, Westmead International School, Sunhill Montessori Casa, Divine Child Academy, Batangas National High School, Saint Bridget College and Cristo Rey Institute for Career Development.
After the program, the motorcade resumed and proceeded to Cuta Duluhan where the fluvial procession started along Calumpang River.
Devotees of Sto. Niño join the annual fluvial procession in Batangas on Friday, January 5, 2018.
(Lyka Manalo / MANILA BULLETIN)
Thousands of devotees flocked to the Calumpang Bridge to meet the Sto. Niño’s image then started the land procession which passed through the main streets in Poblacion to the basilica.
The procession’s arrival was greeted by a fireworks display and the celebration was ended with a holy mass.
The annual fluvial and land procession marked the fiesta celebration on January 16 which was declared by Malacañang as a special nonworking day here.