15,000 devotees flock to Glory Hill on Good Friday

By Glazyl M. Jopson

BACOLOD CITY — Around 15,000 devotees made their way to Glory Hill in Sitio Mantuhod, Barangay Mansablay, Isabela, Negros Occidental on Good Friday, April 3, as part of the annual Holy Week pilgrimage known as #Taklad2026.

Participants came from various areas, including Isabela Mayor Miguel Angelo Yulo and his father, 5th District Rep. Emilio Bernardino Yulo III.

In a Facebook post, the mayor expressed gratitude for the strong turnout, describing it as a powerful reflection of shared faith and unity.

The trek to the summit takes about two hours, rewarding pilgrims with a panoramic view and a towering 45-foot steel cross at the top.

Pilgrims pass through the 14 Stations of the Cross, arranged along cemented steps and steep paths that encourage prayer and reflection.

Development of the stations began in the early 1990s through the efforts of then-Councilor Rudy Parcon, with families from Mansablay donating land for each station — an enduring testament to the community’s devotion.

The hill’s iconic cross, a central symbol of the site, was erected on May 3, 1954. It was designed by American engineer John Dumas, who was working with the Binalbagan-Isabela Sugar Company under the Columban Fathers. His inspiration, according to accounts, came from his wife, a devout practitioner of the rosary.

Over the years, Glory Hill has become one of the province’s most recognized pilgrimage sites, offering both a physical challenge and a meaningful spiritual experience.

Rescuers assisted a woman who fell ill during the pilgrimage, underscoring the safety measures in place throughout the Holy Week activities.

In Bacolod City, thousands of Catholics joined the Good Friday procession organized by San Sebastian Cathedral on April 3.

The procession featured antique carriages carrying images portraying the Passion of Christ, with devotees walking along the streets holding lighted candles in a solemn expression of faith.

In his homily at the Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion, Monsignor Ronald Quijano emphasized that “to follow Christ is not to avoid suffering at all costs, but to transform suffering through love.”

He said that true discipleship means forgiving when it is difficult, remaining faithful when it is costly, and holding on to hope even when everything seems lost.

The Seven Last Words (Siete Palabras) service at San Sebastian Cathedral drew the faithful into silence, repentance, and reflection on Christ’s final words.

On Maundy Thursday, April 2, Quijano led the washing of the feet before the Mass of the Lord’s Supper, presided over by Bacolod Diocese Bishop Patricio Buzon. The rite honored 12 individuals chosen for their service to the church and the community.

A Soledad Procession was held before the Easter Vigil at San Sebastian Cathedral on Black Saturday, April 4, also presided over by the bishop.

Meanwhile, the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) of Mt. Kanla-on Natural Park (MKNP) intensified patrol and monitoring operations during Holy Week amid the continuing activity of Mt. Kanlaon Volcano.

Personnel focused particularly on restricted areas to prevent illegal trekking and other violations, as part of Oplan Semana Santa 2026 operations.

The operation covered local government units within the MKNP jurisdiction, including the cities of Bago and La Carlota, the towns of La Castellana and Murcia in Negros Occidental, and Canlaon City in Negros Oriental.

The PAMO thanked partner LGUs, agencies, and stakeholders for their support.

Mt. Kanlaon remains under Alert Level 2 amid a series of ash emission events. The volcano last erupted on March 15.