Sinulog 2026 on track despite financial constraints

Local

WITH the city’s biggest cultural celebration just weeks away, organizers say Sinulog 2026 is moving “on schedule” as preparations reach 60 percent completion.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, a member of the Sinulog

Foundation Inc. (SFI) executive committee, said most groundwork for the January festivities is already in motion, with contingents rehearsing, stage construction underway, and support systems nearly in place.

“Ang contingents nag-ready na, gikan barangays hangtod municipalities. Ang stage is almost done, and the backup power inside the CCSC is already in place. Gamay nalang gyud ang kulang,” he said in an interview on Tuesday, Dec. 9.

Tumulak confirmed that SFI must work with a tighter operating budget this year after the Cebu City government trimmed its Sinulog allocation from P90 million to P78 million, redirecting the remainder to calamity assistance following Typhoon Tino.

Because of this cut, the festival’s marketing team was tasked with securing additional sponsorships.

“We have to raise more funds kay dako kaayo ang expenses. Nag-plano na ta unsaon ma-reduce ang gasto nga dili ma-apektuhan ang presentation on the day of the festival,” he explained.

Despite financial constraints, Tumulak said private donors and partners have begun extending support — a boost he described as “encouraging” at this stage of planning.

To help groups mount their performances, Cebu City will release subsidies of ₱1 million for Cebu City-based contingents and another ₱1.5 million for out-of-town contingents, including those from Cebu Province

“Mahatag siya hopefully this month,” Tumulak said, noting that contingents from Luzon, Mindanao, and neighboring provinces have already confirmed interest in joining.

The 2026 grand parade will follow the same route used this year, but with expanded safety features. Among the key additions are mobile bleachers, which will be placed strategically along the route.

Tumulak said these structures serve two purposes: improving spectator visibility and providing an accessible elevated area for children, elderly festivalgoers, and individuals with disabilities in case of emergencies.

“Akong hangyo sa public, mutuman ta sa lagda. Daghan ta mobile bleachers karon, kay kung naay calamity, didto nato ibutang ang vulnerable sector,” he said.

He also reiterated that parties and concerts must be held outside the parade route to reduce congestion, ensure faster crowd movement, and maintain the event’s religious character.

Workers began installing the grand stage inside the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) on Monday, December 8. Organizers expect major structural components to be finished within days, following which technical crews will install lighting, sound systems, and final set elements.

This stage will host the Sinulog Grand Showdown on January 18, 2026.(TGP)