THE Lapu-Lapu City Government will only allow fully vaccinated individuals and those below 18 years old, even if they are unvaccinated, to enter churches during the nine-day Misa de Gallo, which will start on December 16, 2021.
This is based on Executive Order No. 2021-70, which Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan signed on December 6.
Chan’s order applies also to the Simbang Gabi, Christmas parties and other related activities during the Christmas season.
In the same order, Chan also adjusted the city’s curfew for the Christmas and New Year holidays.
Instead of 10 p.m. to 5 a.m., the curfew hours are now from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. to allow Oponganons to attend the Misa de Gallo without fear of being apprehended by local police.
In his order, Chan said vaccinated individuals and those below 18 years old are allowed to enter churches but only up to 50 percent of its maximum capacity.
Unvaccinated individuals are still allowed to attend the Misa de Gallo but they can stay only in outdoor areas, which should be occupied up to 70 percent of its capacity.
“The safety of every Oponganon from the coronavirus remains the top priority of the Lapu-Lapu City Government during the Christmas celebrations. Thus, there is a need to establish guidelines to ensure the safe celebration of different Christmas-related activities in the city, especially those activities that are already part of the Christmas tradition,” Chan said.
In his order, Chan said he will allow the holding of Misa de Gallo and Simbang Gabi masses from December 15 to 24, 2021 provided that parishes in the city will comply with the guidelines.
The nine-day Misa de Gallo should be held between 3 a.m. and 4:30 a.m. while the Simbang Gabi masses should be held at 7 p.m. from December 15 to 24.
Masses to welcome Christmas and New Year shall be every 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on December 24 and December 31.
All persons, regardless of age and vaccination status, shall be required to wear face masks inside the mass venue.
Church administrators are required to install “No Mask, No Entry” signages at the entrance and exit so churchgoers can be guided.
“The police are directed to apprehend any person who is not wearing a mask or improperly wears one in accordance with City Ordinance No. 15-094-2020 as amended,” the order said.
Chan also encouraged parishes to hold live streaming of their masses for the benefit of those who cannot physically attend the Eucharistic celebrations.
Though the curfew has been adjusted for churchgoers, local police are still mandated to apprehend any person loitering in any public place that is not within the immediate vicinity of a church.
Chan added that he will also allow the holding of Christmas parties, family reunions, New Year’s Eve countdown activities, among others, as long as there is strict compliance with existing mandatory public health safety protocols and strict implementation of the curfew.
Chan also allowed the holding of Christmas caroling activities in public and private areas provided that carolers shall comply with the mandatory public health and safety protocols and will hold their activities before curfew starts.