President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday called on Filipinos to reflect and emulate the sacrifices of Jesus Christ and give aid to those in need.
“This sacrifice marks the ultimate demonstration of love in laying down one’s life for the salvation of mankind,” the President said in his Holy Week message.
“His life is a testament to the power of selfless service and humility in the face of various trials. Amid uncertainties and difficulties, the way of the cross is our firm assurance that goodness and truth will always prevail,” he added.
Duterte said he hopes Christ’s death for mankind would also inspire many people to care for the poor.
“May the virtue of kindness and benevolence that Christ exemplified serve as our inspiration to aid in the plight of our less fortunate fellowmen. Let the story of crucifixion challenge us to remain persevering in our struggle for a better life and a stronger society,” he said.
“This moment of renewal of our faith sends a message of solidarity to everyone
regardless of our denomination. Despite our differences as individuals, may we always choose to embody compassion as Christ has personified,” the President added.
Duterte is expected to spend his Holy Week in the Middle East for state visits in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Qatar from April 10 to 16.
‘Satisfied with govt preparations’
In a statement, Presidential spokesman Ernesto Abella said that Duterte is “satisfied” with the current government preparations for the Holy Week, especially in terms of security and transport.
“The government is now on heightened alert to ensure the safety and security of passengers at all airports, seaports, and other transportation hubs during the Holy Week,” he said.
Abella said the government has already in place Oplan Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2017.
He said the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has issued 1,153 special permits to bus operators to accommodate the increase in the number of passengers.
“It [LTFRB] is now inspecting buses to ensure their roadworthiness and safety. It has also set up help desks at terminals,” he added.
Abella said the Toll Regulatory Board, has deployed additional personnel at toll plazas where traffic build-up is expected.
“If toll plaza queuing reaches 500 meters, additional entry/exit lanes, as well as reversible or counter-flow lanes, will be opened,” he said.
The Palace official also said the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) will assist the Bureau of Immigration (BI) in managing queues at immigration counters.
“A MIAA Management Team started to be on duty on April 8 to ensure smooth passenger flow. A two-minute unloading rule is also being implemented to prevent congestion,” he said.
In Cebu, the Mactan, Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA)
Task Force to direct its security and safety operations during Holy Week.
“The Airport Police Division was placed on red alert status, and various information and public assistance counters were also opened,” he said.
Abella said the Maritime Industry Authority has been conducting a nationwide random inspection of passenger ships since April 7 to strictly enforce the “no overloading” policy, among other safety measures, while the Philippine Ports Authority has also directed its port managers, cargo handling operators, and passenger terminal building operators to ensure maximum security, safety, and convenience of passengers.
“Passengers will be strictly screened, while ship agents are required to regularly update ship arrival and departure schedules,” he said.
Moreover, the Philippine National Police (PNP ) has deployed 75,000 police personnel on the ground to ensure the safety and security of the public during the Holy Week and the summer season, Abella said.(C.S Valente, MT)