TACLOBAN CITY –  Taclobanons and Baseynon commemorated today, June 20 the  43rd Balyuan Rites, which reenacts the  historical swapping of Sto. Niño images between Tacloban and Basey town.

Tacloban Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez and Basey Town Mayor Igmedio Junjie Ponferrada led in the yearly observance with government and church officials.   The two local chief executives also delivered their short messages during the event which underscored  the continued unity between Tacloban and Basey in sustaining its shared history and tradition.

The Image of El Teniente, a replica of Sto. Nino de Tacloban  arrived in a fluvial procession from Basey Town in Samar and was met by City Government Officials and devotees at the Balyuan Wharf.  A procession with the image of Sto. Niño de Basey ensued to the amphitheater where the historical swapping was solemnly reenacted in the presence of City government official and employees.

Last June  16,  El Teniente, was rendered in a motorcade to  Basey town 28 kilometers away from the City for the Pre-Balyuan rites.

The Balyuan Rites started with the  singing  of the  Te Deum; then the turn-over and reading of acceptance messages  by City Administrator Atty. Irene Chiu and  Mayor Ponferrada followed.   A floral offering  and the releasing of doves capped the event.

The Balyuan rites likewise signals the start of the nine-day novena mass for the City’s 128^th Fiesta Celebration. -HENRY JAMES G. ROCA/CIO, Photos by Mario Papuran/CIO