Hundreds of devotees and spectators who gathered under the first Mactan-Mandaue Bridge on Saturday, January 17, 2026, were left disappointed after the revered fluvial procession of the Señor Santo Niño did not pass through their area.
City Council's Formal Appeal
In response to the public outcry, the Mandaue City Council passed a resolution on January 19, 2026, formally requesting the Archdiocese of Cebu and the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu to reinstate the traditional route for the 2027 Fiesta Señor celebration. The council unanimously approved the resolution to show support for the appeal and emphasize the importance of the fluvial procession to the faith and devotion of Mandauehanons.
Councilor Carlo Fortuna explained that many residents woke up as early as 2 or 3 in the morning to secure vantage points on bridges, shorelines, and at the Mandaue Bay, only to be dismayed when the galleon carrying the holy image did not come near their location. "This fluvial procession is what the people of Mandaue eagerly await. Many prepared early just to see the image of Señor Santo Niño, but it did not pass by, causing them great sorrow," Fortuna stated.
Proposal for a Smaller Galleon
Fortuna further appealed to Church authorities to consider bringing back the old route for the 2027 Sinulog and Fiesta Señor, where the galleon would pass under the bridge and reach areas near the First Mactan-Mandaue Bridge. He suggested using a smaller galleon, as was done in the past, to allow it to get closer to the people without compromising safety. Councilor Kevin Cabahug added that the council supports Fortuna's resolution to give residents the opportunity to express their faith in a more meaningful way.
Safety Concerns Cited by Basilica
On the other hand, the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño de Cebu clarified that safety was the primary reason for the current fluvial procession route. Rev. Fr. Jules Van Almerez, OSA, the Basilica's media liaison, revealed that during a tabletop exercise with the Philippine Coast Guard, it was determined that the waters near Mandaue's viewing decks are shallow.
This posed a significant concern because the Lite Ferry 10, which carries the image of the Señor Santo Niño, is the largest galleon used in the procession to date, making it difficult to maneuver close to the shore. "The decision was made for the safety of the galleon and its passengers," Fr. Almerez explained.
He also clarified that reports of the galleon passing under the Mactan-Mandaue Bridge were untrue, noting that since 2018, it has not been routed there due to safety and security issues. "I don't know where the idea came from that the galleon would pass under the first bridge when it was clearly announced during the dry run that it would not pass there," Fr. Almerez added.
