TACLOBAN CITY (CIO) – On June 20, Taclobanons and Baseynons jointly celebrated the 45th Balyuan Rites, as a kick off to the religious activities leading to Tacloban’s 130th fiesta celebration in honor of Señor Sto. Niño. City Government Officials and Basey Town Officials along with local church officials led in the ritual exchange of the images of the Holy Child Jesus of Tacloban and of Basey, Samar.

The Image of El Teniente, a replica of the revered Sto. Nino de Tacloban arrived at the Balyuan Wharf on Thursday through a fluvial procession which started from Basey Town. The El Teniente was brought on Tuesday, June 18, to the town 8 kilometers away from the City for the Pre-Balyuan rites.

A procession with the image of Santo Niño de Basey ensued to the amphitheater where the historical swapping was solemnly reenacted in the presence of local officials and employees.

The solemn rites started with the singing of the Te Deum; then the turn-over and reading of acceptance messages by Councilor Elvira Casal who represented Mayor Cristina G. Romualdez and Mayor Igmedio Junjie Ponferrada.

In a message read during the event, Mayor Romualdez said that “Taclobanons will always recognize and honor its humble beginnings.”

She added that the reenactment memorializes the shared history of the two local government units, an act of perpetual gratitude towards its “mother town.”

Ponferrada, on the other hand, underscored the continued unity of Tacloban and Basey in sustaining a common tradition that he hopes would bring more progress to the two local government units.

A floral offering and the releasing of doves capped the event.
The Balyuan rites also signal the start of the nine-day novena mass for the City’s Fiesta Celebration – H.J. Roca/CIO

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?: K. E. Napala/CIO