The parishes of the Archdiocese of Jaro in Iloilo City are ready for the “Misa de Aguinaldo” from December 16 to 24, 2025. Over 1,000 police personnel and force multipliers are up for deployment in 214 churches in Western Visayas.
Most of the parishes set the Holy Mass at 4 a.m., while others take on a different schedule.
Simbang Gabi, or evening Mass of Waiting, starts evening on December 15 to December 23, 2025.
At the Jaro Metropolitan Cathedral, Misa de Aguinaldo is set at 4 a.m., while evening Masses of Waiting at 7 p.m.
According to the Archdiocese of Jaro, the nine days offering of the Holy Mass is part of the sacrifice of Roman Catholics before December 25, in anticipation of the Feast of the Nativity, or the birth of Jesus Christ.
“Parang alay natin sa Maykapal, sa mahal na Diyos sa regalo na ibinigay niya sa atin na walang iba kundi si Jesus. Kaya Misa Aguinaldo kasi aguinaldo is a gift. So ang gift ng Diyos sa atin at ang paggising sa umaga is also a gift,” Rev. Fr. Angelo Colada, director of the Commission on Social Communications of the Archdiocese of Jaro.
Isiah John Lozarita started attending the Misa de Aguinaldo since he was five years old. He has carried on the tradition at the Parish of San Lorenzo in the Province of Guimaras.
“Mahalaga itong ang Simbang Gabi kasi papalapit na ang Christmas. Ito ang time na magsasama-sama ang pamilya at mahalagang maalala si Jesus,” Lozarita said.
Further, 57-year-old parishioner, Emelita Agodilos, seeks to serve consistently the church by attending the Mass in nine days.
“Ito lang ang hinihingi ko sa Pasko, pagmamahalan, kapayapaan, at pagbibigayan,” Agodilos said.
According to Police Regional Office (PRO) 6, over 1,000 police personnel and force multipliers will be deployed in 214 churches in Western Visayas.
Among the goals of police visibility is to prevent petty crimes such as pickpocketing.
“Itong ating kapulisan, in place na ito sa mga simbahan, aside sa police personnel na magsasagawa ng mobile patrol. At meron rin tayong personnel na may beat areas kung saan covered ang churches,” said Major Lailyn Sencil, PRO 6 spokesperson.
