Home 
IN CONTRAST to his vocal presence during last year?s opening of the fiesta celebration, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Arturo Radaza was absent during yesterday?s event.
It was traditional for the mayor to welcome the image of the Virgin of the Rule as it arrived at the Muelle Osmeña wharf after the fluvial procession. The mayor is usually one of those who carries the image from the wharf into the Our Lady of the Rule Shrine. His family has long kept the tradition of taking care of the vestments of the Marian image.
But yesterday, his wife Paz and members of the City Council met the image.
Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Commissioner Ahmed Cuizon told reporters that Radaza was ?not feeling well? from a ?bad tummy.? He did not elaborate.
The mayor, however, posted a letter on the city?s website (lapulapucity.gov.ph).
In the letter, the mayor said the city?s fiesta celebration was an occasion that provides ?the golden opportunity to direct all our efforts towards strengthening our unity, our faith in God and in each other.?
?The fiesta celebration in honor of our Patroness, the Virgin of the Rule, reminds us that in the midst of political, social, and economic difficulties, we can still prosper.?
He said that by putting aside differences, the city's continued success would be ensured.
?I am sure that the Miraculous Virgin, always our source of inspiration, will see us through any challenges that may come our way.?
This year, Councilors Rudy Potot, Eduardo Cuizon, Florito Pozon, Marshall Ycong and Damian Gomez Jr. received the image from church officials on board the yacht and carried it into the shrine. Paz followed along with Councilor Queenie Amman and other City Hall and church officials.
Last year, at the height of controversies over overpriced lampposts and computers, Radaza spoke before the congregation after the Mass to attack certain businessmen, calling them ?wa?y puangod? (uncivilized) for allegedly spreading lies about him and refusing to pay taxes./Reporter Dale Israel
