THE ROOT
Cupin, Keziah Isabelle
Estelloso, Devine Grace
Libre, Lyka
Milano, Maria Jezel
Monterde, Mary Mae
COVID 19: Philippine History
G.E: RPH (3:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.)
COVID
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is an infectious disease caused by a new strain of
coronavirus. This new virus and disease were unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan,
China, in December 2019. On January 30, 2019, the Philippine Department of Health reported the
first case of COVID-19 in the country with a 38-year old female Chinese national. On March 7,
the first local transmission of COVID-19 was confirmed. As part of preventive measures,
temporary ban was imposed by the Philippine government on the workers from travelling to China
or its special administrative regions after the coronavirus outbreak on 2 February. The ban was
lifted on 18th February allowing OFWs to return to Hong Kong and Macau.
The epidemic vastly spread like wildfire and affected even the farthest countries from
China since international travels were still available even during the occurrence of the outbreak.
The World Health Organization has declared the epidemic a global health emergency, amid
growing concerns about “sustained human-to-human transmission”. Relatively, foreign air and sea
travels paved way for the passengers that were possibly infected by the disease, to enter
Philippines. As a result, seven passengers onboard the Diamond Princess cruise ship from Japan
and more than half of the crew are Filipinos, among who 80 have been confirmed to have
contracted the virus. The Philippine government repatriated 445 of its citizens onboard the ship
including ten recovered cases on 25 February. The evacuees have been placed under a two-week
quarantine at New Clark City in Capas. A total of 70 confirmed cases were not allowed to board
the evacuation flight. Following a spike in new confirmed cases and local transmission, the
Philippine government declared a health emergency. The move released funds to local
governments and healthcare officials to handle any further surge in cases.
Due to its proximity to China, the Philippines is at a far greater risk of witnessing increased
cases of the novel coronavirus infection compared to other countries. In addition, Chinese nationals
account for the majority of the tourist population visiting the country as trade and cultural relations
have increased between the two countries in the recent past. Even before the Philippines recorded
its first case, several sectors, including numerous lawmakers had clamored for the national
government to impose a travel ban from China to stop the entry of the virus. But the President said
imposing the travel ban might be difficult to undertake, despite the novel coronavirus (2019-
nCoV) outbreak that originated in the East Asian nation. Duterte’s perceived reluctance to respond
quickly to the virus, which critics saw as tied to his administration’s warm relations with the
Chinese government, led the #OustDuterte to trend on Twitter. Duterte stated that he will leave
the precautionary measures to the proper authorities. Health Secretary Francisco Duque himself
was also reluctant to recommend banning Chinese nationals from entering the country. Duque said
they are looking at the ban as an option, but he raised that China might question why the
Philippines is not imposing the same restriction on other countries. “As of now, we cannot
understand why there is a need to impose a ban on Chinese nationals. I wish the mayors carefully
study the proposals and talk with the DOH before they decide if it is really needed.”, the diplomat
said. The virus has not only shaken public trust in Duterte’s government, but it has also worsened
the already fraught relationship between the majority of ethnic Filipinos and the country’s sizable
community of Chinese Filipinos, known locally as Tsinoys, along with the hundreds of thousands
of Chinese nationals residing nationals residing in the Philippines. On the other hand, the
Philippines is also home to hundreds of workers from China working in the Philippine Offshore
Gambling Operation (firms offering online gambling services) and more than 230,000 migrant
Filipinos often referred to as Overseas Filipino Workers (OFW) are also working in China as
household workers who were unfortunately unable to go home because of China’s imposed
precautionary measures and thus had their health at stake. Nevertheless, the government
repatriated Filipinos in Wuhan- the Chinese city which sits at the center of the outbreak. The
Foreign Affairs Department sent two charter planes to fetch our fellow Filipinos in Wuhan with
the proper signal from Chinese officials.
The widespread epidemic resulted to panic buying. After the Department of Health
confirmed the first case of coronavirus on January 30, Filipinos raced to drugstores to purchase
face masks out of fear of contracting the virus. In areas such as Cebu City, suppliers were forced
to ration masks while pharmacies implemented a “one box per person” policy to prevent hoarding.
In Metro Manila, individuals, likewise emptied pharmacies’ and medical stores’ shelves of face
masks, prompting the police to deploy personnel to manage crowds. This came despite the World
Health Organization saying that masks are not needed by healthy people with no respiratory
symptoms. On January 26, Sen, Richard Gordon, the CEO of the Philippine Red Cross, said that
$1.4 million worth of Philippine-made face masks had been sent to China to help combat the spread
of coronavirus. Filipinos quickly noted that the government had failed to provide face masks to
those affected by the Taal Volcano eruption in January.
In line with the increase in recorded infections, President Duterte placed the entire Metro
Manila under a “lockdown” for the purpose of containing the disease, and emphasized the
importance of social distancing, including in mass transportation, On March 12, 2019, The
COVID-19 Code Alert system was revised upwards to Red Sublevel 2. President Rodrigo Duterte
announced tougher measures to combat the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19),
including work and class suspensions as well as travel restrictions, as part of a “community
quarantine” in Metro Manila. Addressing the nation from Malacañang, Duterte said government
work would be suspended and skeletal workforce will be implemented. Land, domestic air and
domestic sea travel to and from Metro Manila will be suspended from March 15, 2020 until April
14, 2020, subject to daily review of the government. The Philippines will also ban foreign nationals
from countries with localized COVID-19 transmissions, except diplomats and permanent
residents. Duterte announced the “community quarantine” over the national capital region after his
meeting with the members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging
Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) in Malacañang. The movement of goods to and from Metro
Manila will not be affected by the quarantine. “Cargoes, food and non-food okay to move,” Trade
Secretary Ramon Lopez said in a text message. Officials of the road sector of the Department of
Transportation organized a meeting with interior and health officials to define the rules of the
quarantine in Metro Manila.
Duterte stressed that the viral disease is “spreading all throughout the country” and there
is no cure. Despite the lack of vaccine and cure for the deadly virus, Filipino scientists from the
University of the Philippines National Institutes of Health were able to develop a test kit for the
virus, with funding from the Department of Science and Technology. The Food and Drug
Administration has already approved the local test kits for field validation. At least four selected
hospitals known for their expertise in treating infectious diseases will begin validating the local
test kit to make sure it is safe for public use. The field validation is one of the two pre-conditions
set by the FDA for the kit to become commercially available, and for it to gain approval from
WHO. The new kit is six times cheaper at Php 1,320 per test that the imported RITM, which costs
PHP 8,500 each, resulting to budget efficiency for the Philippine’s medical funds.
As of 17 March, the total COVID-19 cases in the Philippines stand at 187. One of the
coronavirus-confirmed on 06 March was confirmed to be a human-to-human transmission putting
the nation on a high alert. The Philippine government started announcing local lockdowns (home
quarantine) following the increase in global coronavirus cases while similar quarantine measures
are expected nationwide. Checkpoints were made to make sure that there is effectivity in
controlling the epidemic by taking minimal infringement on individual freedom and rights. In this
case, without the vaccine or cure yet, social isolation is currently one of the only weapons we have
against the coronavirus. Quarantine and social isolation will help slow the transmission, allowing
the scientists not to be overwhelmed and giving them time to develop more effective strategies in
treating the disease. In the contrary, the operation “enhanced community quarantine” as measure
to contain the new coronavirus by sealing the capital’s boarders is said to be a failure. Most
companies were told to wind down, except for banks, money transfer services, utilities, telcos, and
outsourcing and export firms. Public markets, supermarkets, groceries, convenience stores, clinics,
hospitals, pharmacies, and drug stores will also remain open. However, most malls have decided
to shut down, but will keep their supermarkets and pharmacies open. Restaurants will be limited
to takeout and deliveries. Buses, jeepneys, trains, and all mass public transport have been
grounded. But movement of cargoes will be impeded. “We cannot really control the contagion.
We want it to be perfect. But there will be downsides,” said Mr. Duterte, as he sought to allay
unease over these measures. He urged companies to consider an early release of the 13th month
pay of their employees to help tide them over, and landlords to suspend rent and leases. The
government would also extend financial help to the most affected small and medium-sized
businesses, he added.
The government stepped up its efforts to contain the virus. However, after the lockdown
was imposed, the borders of Metropolitan Manila were overrun by massive numbers of people and
vehicles coming through. Commuters, pedestrians, and motorists swarmed roads leading to Metro
Manila and squeezed their way through dozens of checkpoints set up to enforce the lockdown.
President Duterte’s spokesman, Mr. Salvador Panelo, admitted that lockdown enforcement
measures were failing and tougher actions were needed since despite the stringent enforcement,
there is truly a lack of cooperation from the Filipinos like how jeepneys and buses that were
instructed not to load passengers and maintain distancing measures, were still seen loaded with
passengers and made to slip right through the checkoints. Relatively, amidst the quarantine, people
in the Philippines are frustrated, worried that government has reacted too slowly to the pandemic
and the health ministry was largely criticized for its inaction and lack of transparency in its
handling of the virus. Despite, the authorities have not revealed provisions for assistance and
healthcare subsidies, leaving impoverished and densely populated communities, especially those
families who are dependent to day-to day wages, in a state of confusion and panic. “It seemed
mostly like a military and police solution rather than a health intervention.”, Dr. Joshua San Pedro
said. It could keep residents- many of whom work in construction or security in other cities and
make less than the area’s minimum daily wage, stranded from their jobs and in economic peril. “I
was hoping the president would address the situation. That’s why people are getting panic because
they are not secure.”, he added. Furthermore, the interior secretary said these workers would be
allowed to commute if they show evidence of their employment.
The people, especially those who are unprivileged are crying for security for basic needs.
Due to the government’s lack of attention to them, the situation merely created panic. Also, there
is shortage of tests and hospitals since it was reported that the health department’s budget was cut
by 10 billion pesos and health workers are overburdened. Local media reported that several
coronavirus patients with suspected cases tried to escape mandatory quarantines, fleeing hospitals
and attempting to travel abroad. Philippine National Police chief Debold Sinas said that violators
of the lockdown would be subject to arrest. The country’s severely overcrowded prisons are not
prepared to handle the spread of coronavirus.
The ongoing coronavirus impact is expected to result in a subdued growth for the economy
in 2020 since China is Philippines’ top trading partner accounting for 18.8% of total trade,
according to the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) and Philippines imports account for
approximately 20% of goods from China followed by Korea and Japan at 10% each.
The Central Bank of the Philippines (BSP) noted that the coronavirus outbreak could have
a major impact on Philippine economy over the next few months. Ruben Carlo Asuncion, chief
economist for Union Bank of the Philippines, noted that the coronavirus outbreak could cost the
Philippine economy $600m or 0.8% of economic growth if it lasts for six months, as quoted by
CNN Philippines.
Tourism industry is a major contributor, accounting for 12.7% of the Philippine economy
in 2018, according to data from the Philippines Statistics Authority. More than seven million
foreign tourists visited the country during the first ten months of 2019 and Chinese tourists account
for majority of Philippines’ tourist population. The tourism industry, however, is expected to
witness a major impact as the country closed its borders with China and other countries due to the
coronavirus infection, Philippine Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez noted. Dominguez added
that the exact economic impact of the outbreak is too early to be estimated but remained optimistic
that the country can sustain its economic growth.
SOURCES:
• https://aljazeera.com/news/2020/03/manila-turns-ghost-town-coronavirus-lockdown-
200315121507679.html
• https://foreignpolicy.com/2020/03/14/duterte-quarantine-philippines-coronavirus-
lockdown-launches-manila-into-pandemonium/
• https://www.pharmaceutical-technology.com/features/coronavirus-affected-countries-
philippines-measures-impact-tourism-economy/
• https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/inside-track/254325-duterte-says-metro-manila-
lockdown-not-martial-law-novel-coronavirus
• https://www.google.com.ph/amp/s/www.vox.com/platform/amp/2020/3/17/2118115/coro
navirus-military-response-national-guard
• https://www.google.com.ph/amp/s/www.forbes.com/sites/fernandezelizabeth/2020/03/13/
the-covid-19-coronavirus-is-now-a-pandemiccan-we-ethically-deal-with-lockdown/amp/
• https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2020/3/13/duterte-covid19-crisis-no-solution.html
• https://www.google.com/amp/s/www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/03/12/2000213/duterte
-announce-new-measures-vs-covid-19-spread-thursday-evening/amp/
• https://www.google.com/amp/s/newsinfo.inquirer.net/1243774/duterte-philippines-now-
under-state-of-calamity-due-to-covid-19/amp
Name: Cupin, Keziah Isabelle Time: 3:30 P.M.-4:30 P.M.
Birhen sa Kasilak Mindanao Shrine Parish
Brgy. Bading, Butuan City
By the middle of the year 1597, there were a sufficient number of Christians and a
sufficient popular interest to warrant the construction of a church. ... (But) the flimsiness of the
construction did not hinder the people of Butuan from celebrating its inauguration with pomp
and ceremony. A letter, ..., describes the event:
There was a procession, with cross and candles at the head, followed by the children
singing, then the native male adults, then the members of the small Spanish community, then the
two priests, one of whom, in vestments, walked under a canopy carrying the sacred relics for the
altar stone; and finally the women in the rear, all of them singing. There were six arches and a
wayside altar at which the procession paused for prayers. There were two towers from which the
procession was greeted with a ringing of bells and a salvo of guns. The church was then blest.
Apparently, it was too small for the crowd, for the Mass was celebrated in the open air in front of
the Church.
"This event took place on the feast of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the 8th of
September, 1597, this is the ultimate reason why the Parish got its name Birhen sa Kasilak
Mindanao Shrine Parish because it originally started on the feast of the Virgin Mary.
Source: http://203.177.157.5/misamis/kasilak3.htm
“My Words”
The Birhen sa Kasilak Church has a very special place in my heart. Ever since I was still a
child, I and my family always go there to attend masses and other religious celebrations. Moreover,
it has been a part of my life for how many years already where I created a lot of wonderful
memories.
It was the place where I have been baptized and started my commitment to Christ. Five
o’clock in the morning, too early for a kid like me to wake up and get dressed, but it was already
part of my routine every Sunday when my grandparents always bring me with them to the church.
Moreover, it is also where I met my childhood friend whom I already forgot her name, we were
like strangers since we just met in one place talk and laugh, but eventually said goodbye afterwards.
I could still remember when we play the kneeler and we suddenly let go of it which cause a loud
disturbing noise for the mass. Back then, our church also had a school beside it for preschool where
I also had my nursery. Moreover, I could still remember where I first learned the nursery rhymes
like “twinkle twinkle little star” there, played with my classmates in the playground where I
accidentally fell which cause a scratch in my elbow and that feeling when I was very scared that
my lola would find out about it. I have so many first time in this church, like being a flower girl,
little bride and bridesmaid. Furthermore, it is also the church where I wanted to get married which
is a very special event in my life. It is also the church where we often celebrate Lent season,
Christmas, Easter Sunday etc.
These are the experiences that made me love the church so much. Aside from that, the
church is so beautiful and comfortable. It has been the number one location for weddings in our
city because of its elegant and classy ambiance where the spirit of the sacred matrimony would be
really felt. Also, it has a lot of instagrammable spots inside and outside where the couple could do
their photoshoots. The church is also equipped with air-condition which other churches missed to
have. Another reason why I really adore this church aside from its exceptional structure is the
people - our community. We have a solid faith and unity wherein we participate in the raffle
promos, fun run and donation in order to renovate our church and to make a pilgrim of the Blessed
Virgin Mary which serves as an attraction for tourists right now.
The church celebrates the Kasidlak Festival which is a fun long week celebration which is
composed of different activities like street dance, fun run, pageant etc. which occurs every
September 8 which is the birth of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
Name: Estelloso, Devine Grace D. Time: 3:30 P.M.-4:30 P.M.
Monastery of the Holy Eucharist (Simala Shrine or Simala Church)
Located in Marian Hills, Lindogon, Simala, Sibonga, Cebu
It was built in 1998 by the Marian Monks from Pampanga. Various accounts say that the
lady’s image originally came from Pampanga and was handed over to the Marian Monks of the
Eucharistic Adoration after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. The monks then brought the image with
them to Simala in the 1990s, where they purchased a piece of land with the inherited wealth of one
of their members. The welcome mat wasn’t quite rolled out for the monks. The locals supposedly
weren’t very accommodating at first and the rough terrain was unsuitable for planting. However,
the general outlook towards the monks may have taken a turn for the better when the Virgin Mary
was said to have interceded through the Penitential Rosary Walk in 1998 to stave off an epidemic
that had already claimed the lives of several local children. It used to be just an ordinary church
until after the incidents of miraculous events. Another example of which is the shedding of tears
of the Mother Mary’s image. It paved the way for the shrine’s popularity with devotees constantly
flocking the area.
Sources:https://www.cebucitytour.com/cebu-destinations/cebu-simala-shrine/
http://www.pinoywit.com/simala-shrine-monastery-of-the-holy-eucharist/
“My Words”
During my research, I found different stories on how the church got its name and all of
them have one thing in common, that Blessed Virgin Mary did miracles in Lindogon. Due to the
miracles that Mama Mary did, lots of people visited the said church and eventually became
devotees. However, with the rising of the number of devotees others seem to misinterpret the
devotees. They call our devotion as idolatry for we are praying to Mama Mary which is wrong.
We are praying to Mama Mary not because She will grant us our wishes but because we ask for
Her help to pray for us. I learned from Mr. Arsolon in our ReEd 2 class that we, humans, don’t
deserve to ask God directly for we are sinful and I could still remember from one of the homilies
I’ve heard that Mama Mary is the best way in order to ask something to God because God gave
His favor to Mama Mary and She is the Mother of Jesus Christ. What we, devotees, are doing isn’t
idolatry for we are only asking Mama Mary’s help to pray for us. It will only be idolatry if we are
praying to Mama Mary thinking that She is superior than God. Anyways, I am happy that lots of
people go and visit Simala Shrine but anxious at the same time. I’m anxious of the possibility that
solemnity and sacredness of the church would be eliminated, and the church will become a tourist
spot instead of a house for prayer due to its rising popularity.
Name: Libre, Lyka Time: 3:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry
Amoranto Sports Stadium, Quezon City, Metro Manila
The Jesus Miracle Crusade International Ministry (JMCIM) is an Apostolic (Oneness)
Pentecostal religious group in the Philippines which believes particularly in the promotion of
miracles, and faith in God for healing. They currently claim 1,500,000 members in the Philippines
and 15 other countries. With 40 assemblies outside of the Philippines, the bulk of their membership
is within the country. It has its members in the Philippines, the United States, Canada, Europe, the
Middle East, Australia, Singapore, Japan, China, and several parts of Asia. JMCIM is the largest
Oneness Pentecostal Organization in the Philippines, holding several services weekly at the
Amoranto Sports Complex in Quezon City, Metro Manila, with Sunday attendance in tens of
thousands at that location alone.
Due to local funding which depends on the member’s tithes and offerings, the church
cannot spare the amount gathered to establish elaborated architectural-designed places of worship.
Evidently, the church branches of the JMCIM congregation are very simple and can be compared
to a mere ordinary house. Some local branches even had to rent a house to be able to provide a
venue for Sunday services to its members in far-end areas.
The picture shown above is taken during a crusade wherein the members of the church’s
respective branches nationwide are gathered in Amoranto Sports Stadium to celebrate its 40 th
anniversary back in 2015.
Source : https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jesus_Miracle_Crusade
“My Words”
Unlike the Catholic churches, the church branches of the Jesus Miracle Crusade
International Ministry have no specific name at all. All the church branches of the JMCIM
congregation is named after it and thus, putting emphasis on the church as a family assembly and
not on the physical structure. However, if faith would be measured at the quality of church
structures, surely this church will fall far behind compared to others.
When most people hear the word “church” they probably think of a building, most of the
time, a fancy one, where believers gather. But biblically speaking, a church is more than a
structure. In fact, a church is not about the building, but is about the people. Fellowship, worship,
and ministry are all conducted by people, not buildings. Church structures facilitate the role of
God’s people, but they do not fulfill it. As a member, I understand why the funds received by the
JMCIM church are rather invested to its services like crusades, church anniversaries, and church
revivals for it was once concisely explained by a preacher that a fancy structure shall satisfy
worldly standards but invitation of a soul to salvation through spiritual services can give eternal
joy and satisfaction. I truly agree with this because as I have reflected, what more is a structure if
a churchgoer cannot appreciate the main purpose of it? In JMCIM, I was able to witness a united,
and poured out worship where people sing and praise for joy At first, I found it weird but in the
long run, when I’ve learned to praise along with them, I realized how genuine and amazing it feels
to cry out for God and release the heavy burdens that were long stuck. There I was able to
appreciate the role and importance of the spiritual workers in encouraging people to draw near to
God. With the services that the church gives, it can be clearly determined where the tithes and
offerings will go and how it is effectively used for the church’s purpose.
Aside from that, the church fully believes in God’s capacity to heal and choosing faith as
means to overcome illnesses than taking medical prescriptions. At first, I have thought of it as
pointless but on further enlightenment, I’ve learned that faith to God should never be forced and
is a prerogative of each person. Nonetheless, I’m grateful of this church for it has taught me to
exercise trust and faith to the capability of God.
To conclude, choice of church shouldn’t matter on convenience nor where the flow of
majority leads, neither to the structure of a worship place but as to where our souls will grow
deeper towards and with God.
Name: Milano, Maria Jezel G Time: 3:30 P.M.-4:30 P.M.
National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help or Baclaran Church
Roxas Blvd., Baclaran, Paranaque City, Metro Manila
Baclaran church gets its name from the word “baklad”, meaning fish trap. Since it is
located along coastal road facing Manila Bay, it was used to be a place where villagers collect
their fish. In 1906, it was also known as the National Shrine of our Mother of Perpetual Help
when the Redemptorist priests brought the icon of Mother of Perpetual Help to Baclaran.
Wednesday has been known as Baclaran day since the first Baclaran Novena was conducted on
June 23, 1948, which happens to be a Wednesday. Contrary to popular belief, the perpetual
Novena did not start in Baclaran but in the province of Iloilo at the Redemptorist Church of San
Clemente. After witnessing the devotion of the Ilonggos (Iloilo Natives) to the Mother of
Perpetual Help Novena, the Irish Redemptorist Father Gerard O’Donnell introduced the novena
to Baclaran. Father Leo English conducted the first Baclaran Novena with 70 participants. The
icon and the church have undergone changes overtime. In 1932, the redemptorist priests replaced
the Mother of Perpetual Help icon with a larger version to accommodate the growing number of
devotees. The present church building of the National Shine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help
was completed on December 1952.
Sources : https://explora.ph/attraction/433/baclaran-church-national-
shrine-of-our-mother-of-perpetual-help
“My Words”
I have been to this most known as Baclaran church. The first time I got there was when
my Aunt take me with her together with my cousins to pray and attend mass. I can clearly
remember that it was Wednesday whereby she told me that it was Baclaran day and we must pay
a devotion to the National Shrine of our Mother of Perpetual Help. I have heard a lot of stories
that were answered when you pray in the shrine and some of them makes their devotion through
kneeling from the entrance door to the altar just to show how devoted they are or through
completing a nine consecutive Wednesday novena. The church will give you an ambiance of an
old setting and it is kind of hot due to a number of devotees attending especially on Wednesday.
You can also observe a wishing well in there where a lot of padlocks are locked on the fence
surrounding it and coins sinking under the water thrown by those who have wishes. My auntie
told me that the padlocks locked on the fences was made by the couples who visits the place and
hopefully prays that they will become a happy couple throughout their life and won’t break up.
This church also attracts millennials because aside from the masses offered and novena
conducted, its modern Romanesque style is the third to be built on the same site and it is perfect
for taking pictures showing the nice view of the church.
Many commercial establishments are located near the church for the devotees’
convenience and several stalls are also settled beside it. One of these stalls are selling bracelets,
handbooks, crucifix and many more kinds of stuff that can be purchased by the devotees as they
visit which will serve as their remembrance. Most stalls are those selling great deal of bargains
from clothes, shoes, bags and little things like gowns, suits and barongs, offering it at excessively
low prices. In my opinion this is one of the reasons on why this church is so crowded aside from
being in Metro Manila. In case you’ll happen to be hungry before or after you go to mass you can
also head to the stalls offering cold drinks and street foods at a just pricing or walk a little to arrive
at the seaside market where you can buy fresh sea foods on a great price as well. This church also
serves as a meeting place for some to attend masses especially those who come from provinces
since they don’t know a lot place and on how to get there. I was surprised one time when my cousin
asked me suddenly to accompany her in visiting the church in the middle of the night not knowing
that the church is still open despite that late hour. From there, I have known that the church is open
24 hours a day. Above mentioned experienced of mine can serve as your basis as to whether you’ll
visit the church or not.
Name: Monterde, Mary Mae Time: 3:30 P.M. – 4:30 P.M.
Basilica Minore Del Sto. Niño
Osmena Boulevard, D. Jakosalem Street, P. Burgos Street
The Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino (The Minor Basilica of the Holy Child in English) is a
minor basilica located in Cebu City, Philippines. It was founded by the Spaniards headed by Fr.
Andres de Urdaneta on April 28, 1565.
Basilica Minore Del Sto. Nino is the oldest Roman Catholic church established in the
Philippines. It was built on the same spot where the image of the Sto. Nino de Cebu, a statue
depicting the Child Jesus, was found in 1565 by Spanish explorers led by Miguel Lopez de
Legazpi. The image is the same statue given by Ferdinand Magellan to the wife of Rajah Humabon
as a gift over forty years after Humabon’s baptism to Christianity. he was baptized on April 14,
1521. The image was found by a soldier. It was preserved in a burnt wood box after Legazpi razed
the village of hostile natives. The Holy See calls the temple the “Mother and Head of all Churches
in the Philippines”. They started the foundation of the present church using stones. A lot of help
came from other church leaders and parishioners. The present building of the Sto. Nino church,
which was completed in 1739-1740, has housed the oldest religious image in the country ever
since.
Now the Church is known as the Basilica of Santo Nino because its conversion ordered by
the Pope in 1965 in recognition of its importance and that of Cebu City as the cradle of Christianity
in the East.
Sources : https://www.cebucitytour.com/
“My Words”
Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño is located in Cebu, City. It is one of the most well-known
tourist attractions here in Cebu and we cannot deny the fact that it was indeed miraculous and
astonishing. It was said to be the church that was destroyed by fire and rebuild again and up until
now it was still standing, being the most amazing church, I’ve been into in my whole life. The
name was Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño because many people say that it is the place where the
true image of Sto. Niño was found. Same spot, they put up the church to build a place of worship
and to make a home for Sto. Niño. This church was also believed to bring miracles to those who
come, may it be for honoring the Sto. Niño, for praying, and many more. It was also considered to
be the oldest Roman Catholic Church. Every January, the Cebuano’s celebrate the “Sinulog
Festival” in honor to the image of child Jesus and most of the people of Cebu come here for
worship, to attend the mass and to receive the word of God. It was indeed a great part of the history,
building and re-building this church plays a significant role in the lives, and history of Cebu and
our spiritual relationship with God. This church still stands until now even though it was bombed
and destroyed by fire before. For me, Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño is a church that is full of
memories, very historic and a church that never gets old.
