The contingent from Barangay Basak, San Nicolas Lumad Basakanon performs during the Sinulog 2017 Grand Mardi Gras at Mango Avenue in Cebu City in this CDN file photo.
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Despite concerns and criticisms, organizers of the Sinulog Festival have not changed their minds about holding it at the South Road Properties (SRP).
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama on Tuesday, January 10 said they will stick with their plans of holding the One Cebu Island Sinulog Festival at SRP.
“This time, it stays. It will be at the SRP,” Rama told reporters in a teleconference on Tuesday.
However, should there be any changes to their plans, the mayor said they will be making the ‘proper announcement at the right time.’
“The change is only God’s [dictation] actually. But kaming gatrabaho, we never stop,” he added.
Last Wednesday, January 9, Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia publicly voiced her concerns about holding the Sinulog Festival this year at the SRP.
Garcia suggested that organizers reconsider their decision, and have the event back at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
When asked for comments, Rama declined.
In a separate interview with Cebu radio station dyHP, the mayor appealed to the ‘public to give them a chance.’
“Just give us a chance. Give us a chance,” said Rama.
As of Tuesday, or five days before the festival’s culmination, construction works are still ongoing at the site in SRP where the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) and Cebu City Government will be staging the Sinulog’s comeback.
Cebu’s premier festival was absent for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
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