Sinulog Foundation Inc. Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros in one of the press conferences on their preparation for this year’s Sinulog festivity. (CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)
The Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) must first liquidate previous donations it received from the Cebu provincial government before it can get the P1-million aid pledged for the 2014 festivities.
Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III said foundation headed by Ricky Ballesteros has to comply with this so the province can avoid being questioned lated by state auditors.
Last year, released of the Capitol’s P500,000 donation was also delayed due to SFI’s failure to account for the past year’s monetary aid.
“They have not liquidated the past year’s donations as of yet according to Mr. Ballesteros and our rule here is, although we already pledged, we cannot physically deliver that until they can liquidate the assistance that was given to them in the previous years,” Davide told reporters yesterday.
“That pledge remains good and until they can liquidate that, that’s the time that it will be released because we might get questioned by COA (Commission on Audit),” he added.
Ballesteros earlier described the donation as a “big help” to cover the foundation’s expenses for the annual festival, which includes cash prizes for dance contingents, a pageant, and other activities leading to the grand parade.
Capitol float
Capitol officials also decided to have a float representing the Province of Cebu in the grand parade on January 19.
Davide said they are studying the cost because “it might be too expensive” given the present status of the Capitol coffers.
Provincial tourism officer Mary Grace Paulino last night confirmed that Cebu province would mount a float to be built by the engineering department.
A theme of “rebuilding Cebu” is being considered.
The last time the Capitol commissioned a float was more than 10 years ago during the administration of Gov. Pablo Garcia.
Vice Gov. Agnes Magpgale said she and the governor would not be riding on the float though.