Practice faith with discipline, Isko urges Sto. Niño devotees

MANILA – Manila Mayor Francisco ‘Isko Moreno’ Domagoso has called on residents of Pandacan and Tondo to observe self-discipline during the celebration of the feast of the Sto. Niño on Sunday, January 17.

Domagoso, in his Capital Report via Facebook live Friday, said the practice of faith combined with self-discipline is important most especially now that the threat of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic lingers.

“Yan po sa mga kababayan ko sa Tondo, nakikiusap ako buong kababaang loob, ibang piyesta po ito, but still kaya nating makausap ang Diyos, manalangin na lang tayo ng taimtim, na iraos Niya tayo (To my fellow residents in Tondo, I appeal to you, this is a different fiesta, but still, we can talk to God, let us pray solemnly that He helps us),” Domagoso said.

Domagoso cited the recent celebration of the feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo which, he said, was generally peaceful.

While admitting that there were lapses during last weekend’s feast, Domagoso thanked officials of the Quiapo Church, the Manila Police District (MPD), and the devotees of the Black Nazarene for generally following the imposed rules.

“Nagawa po ng Quiapo, kaya pong gawin ng Tondo (Quiapo did it, residents of Tondo can do it),” Domagoso said.

He also reminded residents of the two areas that a liquor ban is in effect.

Hee added that parades, processions, street parties, shows, competitions, and street games are not allowed.

“Pagpasensyahan nyo na po para po yan sa kaligtasan nyo (Please be patient, that is for your own safety),” Domagoso said.

He said more than the physical celebration, what is important is the people’s prayers and unwavering faith in God.

Domagoso said he believes that allowing the people to practice their faith is part of governance but stressed that expression of faith while respecting others is a must.

“Love and compassion and understanding, napakahalaga nun. Irespeto natin ang mga paniwala ng tao, kaugalian o tradisyon (that is very important. Let us learn to respect each one’s belief, ways, and traditions),” he said.

Domogoso also called on the barangay officials in the areas of Tondo and Pandacan to ensure that health protocols are properly implemented.

Meanwhile, the Manila Public Information Office said for the Feast of the Sto. Niño in Tondo and Pandacan this weekend, all masses will be broadcasted live on Facebook, via the official pages of Archdiocesan Shrine of Santo Niño-Tondo Manila and the Stoniñoparishpandacan.

For those who will physically attend the Masses, they said that only 300 individuals will be allowed to enter the Tondo Parish while only 150 will be allowed at the Pandacan Parish.

However, LED screens will also be placed in the vicinities of the Sto. Niño de Tondo Parish and Sto. Niño de Pandacan Parish for those who would not be able to enter the parishes.