Cebu province to donate P10 million for Sinulog

Local

CEBU Gov. Pamela Baricuatro announced on Wednesday, Jan. 7, that the provincial government is preparing to provide P10 million in financial assistance to Sinulog Foundation, Inc. (SFI) to help support preparations for the upcoming Sinulog Festival.

The festival is one of the province’s largest cultural and devotional events, drawing millions of participants, devotees, and visitors from all over the Philippines and abroad each year.

Baricuatro said that discussions with foundation officials are already in progress and that these talks are part of the detailed preparations leading up to the annual celebration.

She confirmed that she has already met with key SFI officials on Tuesday, including SFI President Engr. Pericles “Ricky” Dakay and Executive Director Elmer “Jojo” Labella, to outline the support the provincial government will provide for the festival.

In addition to funding support, Baricuatro revealed that she will personally join the Sinulog dance, performing with the guest contingent from Danao City during the main festivities.

This announcement has generated considerable attention, as last year Danao City Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano III initially stated that the city would not compete in this year’s Sinulog celebrations.

The city later rescinded that announcement and confirmed that it will participate as a guest contingent, with Baricuatro joining the delegation.

The governor described her participation as an act of devotion or “halad,” a deeply symbolic gesture in the context of the festival.

She noted that it has been a tradition for sitting governors to perform during Sinulog as a way to honor the Santo Niño and express personal faith.

Baricuatro also shared that department heads from the Capitol will join her during the dance performance.

Beyond the allocation for the Sinulog Foundation, Baricuatro announced that the provincial government will extend additional financial assistance to local cities and municipalities that will be sending contingents to participate in the celebrations.

Cities such as Danao, Toledo, Carcar, and Mandaue are each set to receive P3 million in support to help cover the costs of their respective delegations.

Participating towns including Alcoy, Carmen, Dumanjug, Moalboal, and Asturias will be granted P5 million each to assist with funding for their contingents.

The governor emphasized that this support demonstrates the provincial government’s commitment to culture, tradition, and the spirit of community that the festival represents, ensuring that every delegation has the resources needed to prepare and perform.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival requested that Baricuatro host a “barrio fiesta” style gathering at the Capitol.

The mayor’s appeal came in response to concerns about the limited space available at Cebu City Hall to accommodate the large number of participants and visitors expected during the Sinulog period.

Baricuatro agreed to the idea, noting that a larger venue such as the Capitol Social Hall would better serve the needs of the event.

Baricuatro said that, together with Archival, they will jointly invite key national officials to attend the barrio fiesta gathering at the Capitol.

Among the officials they plan to invite are President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., and First Lady Liza Araneta Marcos.

They also intend to invite Vice President Sara Z. Duterte‑Carpio.

She will also invite members of the House of Representatives, including the Speaker of the House, as well as senators from the 24‑member Senate of the Philippines.(MyTVCebu)