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CEBU CITY — The Cebu provincial government handed over P33 million in donations to the Cebu City government on Friday to support the Sinulog Festival as it returned to its traditional route and original venue at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said that the donation underscores the province's commitment to supporting Cebu City's initiatives and fostering solidarity.
The governor also highlighted her support for Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia for bringing the Sinulog festivities back to the CCSC, calling it a celebration for the people and in honor of the Sto. Niño.
"Out of goodwill and in the spirit of solidarity, we are with the City of Cebu, the Province now illus-trates our commitment to the principle of our governance where actions speak louder than words. Therefore, here is our contribution, a small contribution," she said.
This year's donation marks the largest financial support the province has given to Cebu City since the Covid-19 pandemic.
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Mayor Garcia expressed gratitude for the donation, which follows a request made by the Cebu City council through a resolution seeking financial aid from the province. The resolution was authored by Councilor Joel Garganera.
Councilors questioned the province's failure to fulfill previous pledges of P8 million in 2023 and P20 million in 2024, citing noncompliance with conditions.
Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera pointed out during the council's discussion that those pledges had been conditional on the Sinulog Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown being held at the CCSC.
Mayor Garcia clarified that the 2023 and 2024 pledges were not fulfilled because the festivities were held at the South Road Properties under the leadership of then-mayor Michael Rama.
He added that the funds had instead supported contingents from provincial towns and cities, ben-efiting participants rather than the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI).
Cebu City has fully released the financial subsidies to all 18 city-based contingents participating in the Sinulog Festival. Each contingent received the remaining P500,000 of their P1-million subsidy.
Mayor Garcia confirmed that contingents from the province and out-of-town areas had also re-ceived P1.5 million each in financial support.
The SFI and the mayor distributed financial assistance to uniformed personnel and other agencies instrumental in ensuring peace and order during the festival preparations.
Beneficiaries included the Cebu City Police Office, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Bu-reau of Fire Protection.
The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office declared a red alert to mobilize re-sources and personnel for emergency response during the festivities. The City Environment and Natural Resources Office installed 37 eco-stations along the parade route, providing designated receptacles for waste.
Mayor Garcia reminded the public to prepare for road closures and safeguard personal belongings during the event. He also advised wearing appropriate clothing for the weather and carrying um-brellas or raincoats.
The Sinulog Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown will take place today, Jan. 19, at the CCSC, preced-ed by the Solemn Foot Procession on Saturday. Security personnel will be deployed along the pa-rade route, with mobile teams ensuring peace and order.
