Zamboanga City – As the Catholic community observes Holy Week, Mayor Maria Isabel “Beng” Climaco-Salazar urges the public to development alternatives to traditional religious services in light of the persisting threat of COVID-19 and its new variants.
The mayor has issued Executive Order 642-2021 last March 26 providing for the guidelines for the Holy Week and the solemn Paschal Triduum celebrations.
Specifically, the EO states that religious activities should be conducted only in church premises and maximum seating capacity set at 50% of the venue.
The Station of the Cross in Abong-abong, Pasonanca, Buenavista, Lumayang and other places where people converge for their Holy Week rituals are closed and prohibited entry due to the high probability of congregation of persons which may result in the high risk of COVID-19 exposure and transmission.
Also, as agreed upon by the clergy and the City Government, Visita Iglesia which is done on Holy Thursday is cancelled.
Based on the mayor’s EO, all persons caught violating the guidelines in relation to EO 625-2021 may be subjected to criminal prosecution under Section 10 of Ordinance 532, series 2020, as amended, otherwise known as the COVID-19 Emergency ordinance of the city of Zamboanga or if warranted under existing laws.
“In the interest of justice, violations of this Executive order may instead be settled through payment of administrative fines as provided for in Section 11 of Ordinance 532, series of 2020, to the City Treasurer”, the EO emphasizes.
Mayor Climaco, who heads the Zamboanga Task Force COVID-19 said the continued implementation of pro-active measures is necessary to ensure the utmost protection of the health of the people.
The guidelines, she stressed will guarantee that the Holy Week will be observed with reverential solemnity and respect. (LGU Public Information Office)