Naga City -- Reacting to reports which allege that the Archdiocese of Caceres has demanded from the Naga City Government that vending in the City's plazas be prohibited, Caceres Communications Commission Director Fr. Louie Occiano issued a press statement belying such allegations.
In his statement, Fr. Occiano clarified that the Archdiocese did not make any such demands.
He said that the allegation must have stemmed from a "confusion" regarding the agreement reached by the local church with the Naga City government to identify "religious zones" during the novena week of the Peñafrancia Fiesta.
These religious zones are "to promote a prayerful atmosphere, free devotees from distraction and ensure proper, safe and orderly access to the churches," Fr. Occiano said.
He explained that "[b]y virtue of this agreement, the city government promised not to allow vendors in the religious zones: the Cathedral, Basilica and Peñafrancia Shrine."