DOH 7 Ready If Pope Francis Visits Cebu

While the Cebu City chief executive is enthusiastic about the side trip of St. Pope Francis in time of the Sinulog celebration, the Department of Health director is on the negative side of the issue.

Regional Director Dr. Jaime S. Bernadas of the Department of Health (DOH)7 on Wednesday said he believes the Pope will just concentrate his visit in Manila, “but in case he comes to Cebu, we always prepared for it”, he said.

In a Kapihan sa PIA forum, Bernadas said they are just concerned about the public’s health in any festivities like the Sinulog.

“And if in a sudden Pope Francis arrives, we expect more people than usual, so we will also augment our medical people, equipments and medicines to cope any health related problems which may crop up within the big crowd”, he said.

Bernadas’ observation was also the same with Sinulog Foundation Inc. Director Ricky Ballesteros, who is not expecting the presence of Pope Francis during the Sinulog.

“However, in case the Pope will change his mind and will try to visit Cebu during the Sinulog, we have also a Plan B, aimed specifically for this purpose,” he said.

During the Agio Forum last Tuesday morning at the PIA office, Ballesteros said that although Pope Francis is spontaneous, but he doesn’t believe the Pope will come to Cebu.

“But the overall security is always prepared anytime as a frontliner in the yearly activities,” Ballesteros said.

He added that from the Philippine National Police (PNP) teams, down to the barangay tanods, private security groups, students, the fire department, all anti-crime groups and the general public, all are always ready to maintain the total peace within the entire celebration with or without the presence of Pope Francis.

Earlier, Mayor Rama sent a letter to the Manila Catholic hierarchy in Manila asking the Pope’s side trip to Cebu. The Manila Catholic organized the Pope’s visit to the Philippines.

Without telling the media whether the said letter got a positive response or not, Rama said he is not losing hope that Pope Francis will come to Cebu.

“Anyway everything is set for any eventuality,” Bernadas said.