Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental brace for devotees in pilgrimage sites

The Divine Mercy Shrine in El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental draws thousands of devotees during the Holy Week. | PHOTO: DOT-10

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY — Authorities are bracing for the influx of devotees and holiday tourists in observance of Holy Week as this city and several localities in Misamis Oriental have become major pilgrimage destinations during this time of year.

Nick Jabagat, city disaster risk reduction and management officer, reminded those who will be trekking the Malasag Stations of the Cross in Cugman village, and the Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine on the side of Igbalalay hill in Balubal village on Thursday and Friday to prepare for the heat.

The state weather bureau had forecast the city’s heat index at 38 degrees Celsius until Friday.

Jabagat also advised pilgrims to wear clothing to prevent them from getting insect bites.

FILE PHOTO Catholic devotees cross a river to reach the Our Lady of Giadalupe Shrine in Cagayan de Oro City as part of their offer of sacrifice during Holy Week. | PHOTO: MENZIE MONTES

The local government had set up first aid stations to cater to devotees going up the 3-kilometer trek along the Malasag Hills that ends at the Chapel of the Birhen sa Medalya Milagrosa (Virgin of the Miraculous Medal).

But the most elaborate preparation is for the trek to the 1,200-meter-high Guadalupe shrine, which can be reached via a 4.5-kilometer route from Tablon village or a 2.3-kilometer route from the center of Balubal village.

The route from Tablon, which is more popular, requires one to cross the winding Umalag River nine times before reaching the foot of Igbalalay Hill, and from there, a trail of 75 concrete steps leads to a chapel that houses the revered image of the Virgin Mary.

Apart from 11 first aid stations, the local government also prepared rope lines to help devotees cross the river safely. Volunteers and barangay watchmen are also deployed to aid the devotees crossing the knee-deep river.

In El Salvador City, Misamis Oriental, authorities have instituted a temporary scheme to regulate the flow of vehicles to the Divine Mercy Shrine where a towering 50-foot statue of Jesus Christ overlooks the blue sea water of Macajalar Bay.

FILE PHOTO Catholic devotees cross a river to reach the Our Lady of Giadalupe Shrine in Cagayan de Oro City as part of their offer of sacrifice during Holy Week. | PHOTO: MENZIE MONTES

Department of Tourism (DOT) assistant regional director Decius Esmedalla said the nine-hectare shrine complex has become the top pilgrimage spot during Holy Week in Misamis Oriental as thousands flock there to pray and seek solemnity.

Constructed in 2008, the Divine Mercy Shrine was built through donations from devotees, and until the present, caretakers charge no entrance fee, and only a token of donations are accepted to enter and pray at the church.

From the national highway, devotees can reach the shrine via a habal-habal or motorcycle. The shrine is only a 30-minute ride by taxi from the airport in Laguindingan, Misamis Oriental.

With DOT promotion, other religious sites are gaining popularity as Holy Week destinations. These include the baroque-style Immaculate Conception parish church in Jasaan town built in 1887, which was declared a national cultural treasure in 2001. A museum beside the church houses century-old religious art and artifacts.

A few years ago, the Miraculous Healing Water Pool in Binuangan town, also gained popularity. The shrine is located by the beach. With a report from Ryan D. Rosauro INQ