Archival joins Walk With Mary procession, prays for healing, resilience

Local

AMID a city still reeling from the Binaliw landfill collapse, Mayor Nestor Archival quietly offered prayers for the betterment of Cebu City, hoping for healing and resilience for its people.

The disaster, which struck on Jan. 8, continues to weigh heavily on the community as families mourn the loss of loved ones and authorities work tirelessly to recover the missing.

Archival joined his first regular novena Mass and took part in the Walk with Mary foot procession, marking his first-ever participation alongside thousands of Cebuano faithful.

In an interview with MyTV Cebu, the mayor described the experience as uplifting, particularly when he received a blessing from the priest during the Mass, surrounded by the crowd of devotees.

“Sa pagkuyog nako ganina and sa pag-attend nako sa misa, wa gyud ko ga expect nga ingon ato ang sitwasyon nga gi-bless ko sa pari ug sa tanang katawhan,” Archival said.

He shared that his prayers during the events were focused on Cebu City and its residents as they navigate the aftermath of the landfill collapse, which has left many injured and grieving.

“Gi-ampo nako na malagpasan nato ang atong pagsuway sa Syudad sa Sugbo unya katung mga tao nga naa sa Syudad sa Sugbo hinaot unta muabag nako,” he added.

Meanwhile, his visit to Cebu for the ceremonial naming of the world’s first methanol dual-fuel Kamsarmax bulk carrier in Balamban, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. offered prayers for the families of the landfill victims and asked for a moment of silence to honor those who perished.

"As the search and rescue operations continue, we offer our prayers for the souls of the departed and strength to their grieving families," he said.

He assured the public that the national government was extending support to affected families, including burial assistance and other forms of aid.

Councilor Dake Tumulak reported on Friday, Jan. 16, that 28 bodies have been recovered, including one still to be identified, 18 injured have been rescued, and 8 remain missing.

Search and rescue operations continue under hazardous conditions, with authorities emphasizing that the safety of responders remains a priority.(MyTVCebu)