PRESIDENT Rodrigo Duterte formally issued on Monday a proclamation declaring October 26, the burial of Cebu Archbishop Emeritus Ricardo Cardinal Vidal, as special non-working day in Cebu.
"Archbishop Vidal has enjoyed great affection by the people in the Roman Catholic Church and deep respect by the people of other Christian denominations and Islamic faith," Proclamation 333 read. "It is but fitting and proper to give the people of the province of Cebu the opportunity to remember, honor and show respect, and join the interment of the late Archbishop Vidal," it added. Duterte's declaration came a day after his visit to Vidal's wake at the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral on Sunday, October 22. The declaration of a holiday in Cebu was initially suggested by Presidential Assistant for the Visayas Michael Diño. Vidal, who passed away on October 18, will be interred in the mausoleum of Cebu Metropolitan on October 26.
"A native of Mogpog, Marinduque, Vidal was appointed Coadjutor Archbishop of Cebu on August 26, 1981. He was installed Archbishop of Cebu on September 18, 1982 and elevated to the College of Cardinals on April 24, 1985. He also served as the president of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines from 1986 to 1987. - SunStar Philippines
