TACLOBAN CITY, Aug. 6 (PNA) — The provincial government of Leyte is ready to extend assistance when necessary as preparations are now going on for the visit of Pope Francis to typhoon-hit communities next year.
Provincial administrator Vincent Emnas said that Leyte Governor Dominic Petilla has vowed to make available all possible assistance that it can give to make the visit of Pope Francis a memorable one.
“We are here to help to make the activity a success,” said Emnas.
Initially, he disclosed that based on information he gathered, the visit will last for six hours. The Pope will officiate a mass upon his arrival at the government center in Palo or at the DZR airport in this city as suggested venues.
Thereafter, he will visit the Cathedral, either to preside another mass or to bless the church.
The Pope is also scheduled to visit the archbishop palace to lead in several activities.
Earlier it was projected that more than one million people will visit Leyte to hear Pope Francis preside over a mass.
Less than six months before the visit, concerned national government agencies (NGAs) such as the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) started infrastructure repairs while the Philippine National Police and Philippine Army are now coordinating with the Vatican for security concerns to ensure the safety of the Pope.
Pope Francis will visit Philippines January 15-19 next year. (PNA)