MANILA, Philippines — Some 250 infants and children were baptized en masse in Pasig City as part of the traditional Bambino Festival.

Fr. Mylo Hubert Vergara, D.D., the bishop of the Diocese of Pasig, led the mass baptism with Pasig City Mayor Robert Eusebio and his wife, Maribel, standing as godparents.

The Catechetical Instruction for parents and godparents, meanwhile, was provided by Rev. Fr. Orlando Cantillon, vice general, rector and parish priest of the Immaculate Concepcion Cathedral.

As principal sponsors, the Eusebios also gave away traditional gifts and tokens for the newly christened children.

Anita Concepcion, church sector coordinator and one of those who conceptualized the Bambino Festival, said the activity is a joint project of the Pasig City Government and the Diocese of Pasig to pay homage to the revered Sto. Niño de Pasig who have played an important role in shaping Pasig’s culture and history.

She added that the annual activity exemplifies the dynamic synergy between the city government and the church sector.