Dumaguete: Bishop Julito Cortes of the Diocese of Dumaguete on Monday called on the faithful to participate "intensely" in Holy Week activities. "I hope that we once again take seriously our participation [in the] Holy Week [activities] because this is the most sacred time of the year wherein we are invited to participate intensely in the Passion, Death and Resurrection of our Lord, Jesus Christ," Cortes said in an interview.

According to Philippines News Agency, Cortes expressed his hope that people will experience a "conversion of hearts" and be drawn closer to God during the Holy Week. The bishop led the blessing of 'palaspas' (palm fronds) on Palm Sunday, the start of the Holy Week, and will preside over the Chrism Mass on Tuesday where members of the Dumaguete clergy will renew their priestly vows.

During the Chrism Mass, Cortes will also bless the holy oil to be used in various sacraments and liturgical rites. The Dumaguete prelate emphasized the importance of undertaking acts of charity to help those in need, such as disaster victims, and urged preparation for a potential major displacement should there be a significant eruption of Mt. Kanlaon in Negros Island.

Additionally, Alay Kapwa, a program of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines, celebrated its 50th anniversary on Palm Sunday. "This is where our people are given a concrete structure where we can exercise charity to our people," Cortes remarked.