TACLOBAN CITY– On Tuesday, June 20, Taclobanons and Baseynons celebrated the 49th Balyuan Rites, which relieved the historic exchange of Sto. Niño images between Tacloban and Basey, Samar.
(TACLOBAN CITY INFORMATION OFFICE)
City Administrator Atty. Anacleto Rei Lacanilao III, who represented Mayor Alfred Romualdez, and Basey Mayor Luz Chu-Ponferrada led the yearly observance with government and church officials and devotees, including Raymund Romualdez, HIraya president and son of Mayor Romualdez.
The image of El Teniente, a replica of Sto Niño de Tacloban, arrived in a fluvial procession from Basey and was met by city government officials and devotees at the Balyuan wharf.
A procession with the image of Sto. Niño de Basey proceeded to the amphitheater, where the rites were solemnly held in the presence of local officials and devotees.
The ceremonial exchanging of the images and the brief messages made by the officials during the occasion, which emphasized the continuous fellowship between Tacloban and Basey in upholding their common history and heritage were the event’s highlights.
On June 16, El Teniente was rendered in a motorcade to Basey town, 8 kilometers away from the city, for the Pre-Balyuan rites.
A floral offering to the two images capped the event.
The Balyuan rites likewise signaled the start of the nine-day novena mass for the City’s 134th Fiesta Celebration.
(H.ROCA/TACLOBAN CITY INFROMATION OFFICE)
