Preparations for Good Friday trek underway

Preparations for the Good Friday trek up Mt. Tapochau are well underway in celebration of Holy Week, when the island’s Catholic faithful commemorate the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

The walk to the highest point on Saipan will start off at 5:30am on Friday after the taking down of the cross at Mt. Carmel Cathedral in Susupe at 4:30am.

San Roque Parish Pastoral Council’s chair Alex Camacho said that members of the San Roque Parish would carry the cross while Fr. Florentino Daynos will lead the walk up to Mt. Tapochau.

“There will be 13 [Stations of the Cross] along the road, and the 14th will be the cross that we will be carrying to the top,” Camacho said.

He also noted that there would be a sunrise Mass on Easter Sunday at San Roque with Fr. Ryan Jimenez conducting the service.

UFO to serve free food

United Filipino Organization president Annamae Adaza said that they would be serving free food such as congee, eggs, biscuits, bread, fruits, and drinks to all hikers going up Mt. Tapochao.

“It’s Lenten season again, which is time for reflections, recollections, reconciliations. Good Friday is one of the times of the year when UFO gives back to the community by giving away food,” Adaza said.

She described it is a service to the CNMI community that they have been doing for several years.

Back in 1993, MDX Radio Club chair Peter Crisostomo started giving free food to hikers until other organizations joined in. The activity is now being spearheaded by UFO with the help of member organizations, companies, and individuals.

“We are hoping to have good weather so hikers can enjoy the walk and knowing that a lot of kids are joining as well. As a friendly reminder to all walkers and hikers, let’s all dispose of our trash properly since every year that’s the usual complaint and problem,” Adaza said.

Road ready, but stay safe

Henry Hofschneider, Saipan Mayor Donald Flores’ special adviser, said the road going up Mt. Tapochau is ready after a week and a half of clearing and preparing the roadway.

Hofschneider, however, advises the public to be safe on the walk to the top.

“We did the best we can due to the limited heavy equipment. When the public walks up, they have to be careful when they are going back down. It is coral and some of it is slippery,” Hofschneider said.

Hofschneider also advises the public of debris beneath some power lines at Mt. Tapochau, which was done by the Commonwealth Utilities Corp.

“Even with limited equipment, the mayor is trying too coordinate with CUC for the cleaning of the roadways,” he said.

“I also want to inform the public to enjoy their Friday and if there is trash please dispose of it properly,” he added.