By Dan Robin Santos

Published on August 6, 2024

TANAY, RIZAL, PHILIPPINES – In a heartfelt show of togetherness and faith, several parishes near Laguna de Bay, including San Ildefonso de Toledo Parish, gathered on August 5th for a special event to bless and seek protection for the lake as they prepared for the Habagat season and La Niña, and to commemorate the victims of the Talim tragedy.

The event started at 10 am at TQ Bernardos Park, also known as the Parola/Dike, bringing together various groups from the parish, local government, non-profit organizations, and individuals.

During the gathering, participants and guests shared messages of support, promising to do their part in taking care of the lake.

After these messages, Reverend Father Ferdinand C. Delatado led a solemn ceremony to consecrate the lake through a communal prayer asking for divine blessings and protection for the lake and the people who depend on it.

Bishop Ruperto C. Santos, D.D., from Antipolo, in a message, thanked everyone who took part—the parishioners, government officials, media partners, and members of SOCOM.

He stressed how important it is to stay strong in faith and united during tough times and also praised everyone for their support in making the event meaningful and special.

The event coincided with the first anniversary of the Talim tragedy in Binangonan on July 27, 2023, which deeply affected the area, and the gathering honored those who were lost.

It also renewed the community’s commitment to caring for Laguna de Bay, which is an important natural area and holds cultural significance.