Pam, Nestor agree: ‘Only one Sinulog next year’

Local

THERE will only be one Sinulog Festival celebration next year.

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed this, putting an end to past controversies over separate city and provincial celebrations.

In a press conference on Wednesday, Nov. 26, Archival said Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro has committed to supporting next year’s festival.

“Niingon siya ‘Nes, we will have one Sinulog— whatever your plan, just tell me’,” he said.

He added that he asked Baricuatro to send a representative to attend succeeding meetings with Sinulog Foundation Inc. and city government on the planning of the festival.

During former Mayor Michael Rama’s tenure, the provincial government under then‑governor Gwendolyn Garcia staged its own separate Sinulog celebration.

Capitol-led Sinulog events were held in 2023 and 2024, partly in response to Rama’s decision to move the grand parade to the South Road Properties (SRP).

In 2023, Garcia withdrew at least eight provincial contingents from the grand parade over safety concerns at the SRP venue and organized a competition during Sinulog sa Carmen.

By 2024, the province revived “Sinulog sa Lalawigan” at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Archival said that Baricuatro has already discussed plans to augment support to the staging of the festival, including the establishment of an additional “devotee city” for provincial residents.

He said this in addition to the annual devotee city organized by the city government, which is designed to cater devotees coming from outside Cebu.

“Niingon siya nga ‘Nes, naa sad ko’y offer. We will offer sa mga taw nga taga probinsya sa Sugbo nga magbutang ta og devotee city’ I said that is okay with us,” he said.

Devotee city is a temporary lodging facility set up by the Cebu City government for non-resident pilgrims visiting the Fiesta Señor.

It offers free accommodation in makeshift shelters and container vans for devotees from other towns and provinces who cannot afford hotels.

It provides basic amenities, follows strict house rules, and operates on a first-come, first-served basis.

Archival said that while the traditional devotee city is usually located near Plaza Independecia and Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, the new one will utilize the old Cebu City Quarantine Center, also known as Block 27, near SM City Cebu.

Archival said that the city will provide security personnel and comfort rooms.

He also expressed hope that the Provincial Government will continue its annual monetary support to ensure the festival’s success.

Archival said that Baricuatro already promised to continue support but has not yet specificed exact amount to be donated.

Last January, Garcia donated P33 million to then Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia, her nephew, as a form of help from the Capitol to the City Government for Sinulog 2025.(MyTVCebu)