The Antipolo City local government was recognized by the Association of the Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) during its 25th National Convention PEARL Awards for the city's Alay Lakad (Penitential Walk) in Antipolo pilgrimage event.
Antipolo City Mayor Jun Ynares said the pilgrimage event was named the grand winner of the event under the Best Religious Festival Category
Bukod sa pagkilala ito sa lungsod ng Antipolo na siyang tahanan ng kauna-unahang pandaigdigang dambana sa Pilipinas (ang International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage), pagtatangi rin ito sa marubdob na pananampalataya ng mga deboto’t namamanata sa Mahal na Ina ng Antipolo (Aside from recognizing Antipolo as the home of the country's very first international shrine, the International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage, the award also underscored the ardent faith of the devotees of our Lady of Antipolo)," Ynares said.
The award also recognized the city government's efforts in ensuring a safe, peaceful, orderly, and clean Alay Lakad pilgrimage.
The Alay Lakad from Metro Manila and nearby provinces to Antipolo City’s International Shrine of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage is observed during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday.
This Lenten activity is a tradition observed by many with some even walking barefoot, towards the Antipolo Cathedral as part of their penitential vow.
Alay Lakad involves walking a distance of 17 kilometers. It was suspended for more than two years because of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Upon reaching the Antipolo Cathedral, the participants would utter a short prayer or make wish in front of the altar before tossing some coins or paper bills towards the altar as their donation.
The Antipolo Cathedral was formally declared as an international shrine during rites led by Papal Nuncio Archbishop Charles John Brown on January 26.
In addition, Pope Francis gifted the cathedral with the Golden Rose (Rosa d’ Oro), considered as the highest honor granted by a Pontiff to a Marian image or shrine.
The Antipolo Cathedral said the honor given to the Marian shrine is the first in the country.
It is the ninth Golden Rose given by Pope Francis to a Marian shrine since the beginning of his Pontificate.