Cebu local execs defend holding of ‘Pasigarbo sa Sugbo’

Local

LOCAL officials in Cebu rallied behind the holding of “Pasigarbo sa Sugbo” festival, dismissing claims that the cultural event is a waste of public funds.

The League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) Cebu Chapter, joined by the component cities of Talisay, Naga, Carcar, Toledo, and Bogo, has issued a manifesto, expressing their support for Pasigarbo.

The mayors, in a signed statement released on Wednesday, November 20, condemned social media remarks comparing the festival’s P200-million expenditure to mismanagement.

They called the claims “irresponsible, tactless, and reprehensible,” asserting that the festival reflects Cebu’s progress as the “premier province of the country.”

The mayors clarified that the budget was distributed as subsidies to municipalities and cities to support their logistical needs and socio-cultural initiatives.

“The public ought to know that the aggregate amount of P200 million was given and distributed to all the municipalities and component cities,” the statement read.

They added that the festival has “invigorated our sense of unity” and provided opportunities for local talents, choreographers, and workers.

They argued that the cultural and economic benefits of Pasigarbo sa Sugbo are immeasurable.

“The honor, prestige, and the value given to each municipality’s identity is beyond pecuniary estimation,” the manifesto stated.

This defense came amid criticism from gubernatorial candidate Pamela “Pam” Baricuatro, who lambasted the festival and other provincial tourism initiatives as extravagant and ineffective in addressing Cebu’s pressing needs.

Baricuatro, a philanthropist and former flight attendant, is running against Governor Gwendolyn Garcia in the 2025 gubernatorial race with a platform centered on anti-corruption and poverty alleviation.

During the Openline News Media Forum on November 5, Baricuatro linked Cebu’s poverty to corruption.

“Poverty is interrelated gyud with corruption. That is my program of action... poverty and corruption. If you see that if corruption is high, it is the poor that suffers,” she said.(MyTVCebu)