The coastal city of Lapu-Lapu in Cebu witnessed a remarkable display of faith as approximately 3,000 devotees gathered for the opening ceremonies of the 290th Patronal Fiesta honoring Nuestra Señora de Regla on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.
Seaborne Procession Marks Fiesta Opening
The celebration commenced with a picturesque seaborne procession that traveled along the Mactan Channel before concluding at Muelle Osmeña in Barangay Poblacion. The miraculous image of the Virgin was carefully transported to the parish church for the first day of the novena mass.
According to Lapu-Lapu City Police Station 3 Chief Felix Cleopas III, the attendance figures matched previous years, with an estimated 2,500 to 3,000 faithful gathering at the Virgen de la Regla National Shrine. The police official noted that majority of attendees were local residents of Lapu-Lapu City, with only a small number of visitors from other areas.
Archbishop's Message of Hope and Faith
The Welcome Mass at 10:00 AM was presided over by Most Rev. Jose Palma, D.D., who delivered a powerful message about the enduring strength of faith amid trials and calamities that have recently affected Cebu. The Archbishop reminded the faithful that despite damages caused by earthquakes, typhoons, and floods, "our faith is stronger than our fear."
He emphasized that God's grace remains more powerful than any disaster, supported through prayer, the rosary, and devotion to Sto. Niño and Mama Mary.
The religious event saw the presence of prominent local officials including Mayor Ma. Cynthia "Cindi" Chan, Lone District Rep. Junard "Ahong" Chan, and members of the City Council, who sponsored the religious activities.
Changes in Fluvial Procession
Fr. Rev. Benido Tumol, MSC, parish priest and rector of VDR Parish, reported that the annual fluvial procession concluded smoothly despite some changes in tradition. For the first time, the send-off mass was held at San Roque Parish in Cordova instead of the usual Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish in Marigondon.
Father Tumol explained that Cordova was chosen because it belongs to the MSC district of Lapu-Lapu and is conveniently located near the Roro Port. The original location in Marigondon remained unsuitable for procession beginnings due to damages from Typhoon Odette.
The sacred image traveled aboard the M/V Maica 7 from Jomalia Shipping Corp., departing from Cordova Roro Port and passing along the coasts of Cordova and Mactan Channel before arriving at Muelle Osmeña wharf in Poblacion, Lapu-Lapu City.
Organizers noted a smaller fleet participation compared to 2024. Data from the City Agriculture and Fisheries Office showed that 77 vessels joined the 2025 procession, consisting of:
- 36 pump boats
- 18 speedboats
- 16 jet skis
- 5 Navy vessels
- 1 Maritime Police boat
- 1 private rubber boat
This total was significantly lower than the previous year when over 100 vessels participated, including more than 50 pump boats, 20 small pump boats, various private or rented vessels, and 12 jet skis.
Continuing Celebrations
This year's fiesta celebration carries the theme "Pagpanaw uban ni Maria, Our Lady of the Rule niining Tuig sa Hubileyo sa Paglaum" (Journeying with Mary, Our Lady of the Rule in this Year of the Jubilee of Hope).
The solemn procession is scheduled for November 20 at 4:00 PM, followed by a Pontifical Mass on November 21 at 10:00 AM to be presided over by Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy, D.D.
