The giant cross in the sky on the Cagayan town of Piat was ceremonially lit and blessed on Friday night (May 7). (Photo Courtesy of Piat,Cagayan)
PIAT, CAGAYAN — A 16-meter-tall cross perched on the 50-meter-high Black Hill was ceremonially lit on Friday night (May 7) to serve as a symbol of faith, hope, and love for residents of Piat who are battling the COVID-19 pandemic.
Called the “Cross in the Sky,” it stands at the People’s Integrated Agritourism Center. The local government of Piat allocated P1.5-million for its construction.
“The cross brings the message that we can surpass all problems including the pandemic if we have Jesus as our center of life,” said Mayor Carmelo Villacete on Saturday (May 8).
Villacete said the Piat Basilica Minore church and surrounding villages have been locked down following the death of a church organist, as well as the infection of two doctors and 11 other health workers.
Located near Piat’s black lagoon, the giant cross is expected to lure tourists once travel restrictions are lifted, according to tourism officer Benedict Santo Tomas. He said the Piat municipal government will strictly enforce all health protocols when that happens.
The Municipality of Piat also spent P3 million to build the road network that leads towards Black Hill, said municipal engineer James Garcia.