It’s high time the Cebu City government enforce the ban on street parties along the parade route and nearby roads after last year’s post-Sinulog parade fun ended with images of drunken revelers sleeping off their hangover in the streets.
Garbage crews will heave a sigh of relief if they don’t have to clean up after drunken youths and adults who leave a clutter of bottles and what have you on the road.
The ban will apply on January 15 to 17 and will cover establishments that host parties outside their premises and into the street. Enforcing this ban is easier said than done , but at least, the Sinulog Foundation Inc. made its position clear that wild street parties should be a thing of the past.
Problem is, as evidenced by the continued firecracker injuries that occurred on New Year’s Eve, revelers don’t want to let go of fun traditions that easily.
It doesn’t help that commercial establishments and residences along the parade route and public roads encourage this bacchanalia by hosting alcohol-driven parties outside their own areas.
Cebu City Hall has to get its act together and stop issuing permits despite recommendations by the SFI on which areas are best venues for these parties.
SFI Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros is right when he said that the city government should first evaluate SFI’s accredited party organizers before issuing permits to them.
The Sinulog festival is rooted in the devotion of Cebuanos to the Sto. Niño even if present day revelers don’t give a hoot about religious faith.
The festival is Cebu’s biggest international brand-worthy event, its signature.
But like Christmas, the annual event is easily taken over by commercial and self-centered purposes .
The no-holds-barred party with drinks (and we’re sure narcotics has a serving there as well), is an indulgence and excess we can do without.
A total ban on street parties is difficult at this point since the carousing draws in tourists.
But the Cebu city government, as host of the Sinulog, should strive for a sense of balance and regulate the parties without completely spoiling the fun.
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