FAITH VS. COVID-19: Ilonggos unite in prayer as city battles pandemic

Ilonggos from different religious sectors were united in prayer for the protection and healing of Iloilo City amid the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.

Leaders of the Roman Catholic, Muslim, Baptist, Born Again, Dios Gugma and Iglesia ni Cristo led the offering of the ecumenical prayer in a touching ceremony held at the City Hall grounds on Tuesday.

The event entitled “Pangamuyo para sa Iloilo” was organized by Junior Chamber International Philippines (JCI-Iloilo) and JCI Regatta in partnership with the Iloilo City government.

Amid the challenges brought about by the pandemic, JCI-Iloilo president Ramon Sia Jr. said faith of Ilonggos must be strengthened. Hence, the event was initiated to unite Ilonggos through prayers and strengthen their faith.

“JCI Iloilo thought of this project, ‘Panagamuyo para sa Iloilo’ as a way to strengthen the faith of each and every Ilonggo. This is an ecumenical prayer for the healing of those who are afflicted by the disease and prayer the city may be delivered from a more severe situation,” he said in his message.

Mayor Jerry Treñas also called on Ilonggos to unite and pray as the city is facing a challenging situation.

Aside from praying for the healing of the city, the mayor said Ilonggos should also thank the Creator as the city was not severely hit by the disease compared to other areas in the country.

“Nagapangayo kita nga ululupod kita kag magbinulgay para sa syudad. Ginatudlo gid na sa aton nga madangop kon may problema kag magpasalamat.  Gani magpasalamat kita sa aton syudad kay damo sa aton naigo pero kon ikompara sa iban nga lugar indi gid tam-an diri,” he said.

Despite the principle of the separation of the state and the church, the mayor underscored the need for Ilonggos to join hands and be united regardless of differences for the sake of the future of the metro.

“Ginasiling nila separado ang simbahan kag state pero sa sini nga problema, importante nga isa lang kita kay aton ginapalalaligban puturo sang syudad,” he said.

The event ended with the motorcade of the replica of the Santo Niño de Cebu in the different areas in the metro. (ERS).