Two changes in next year’s Sinulog eyed

CEBU CITY – The city government is considering making two changes in the Sinulog celebration next year, one is the closure of establishments along Juana Osmeña Street and General Maxilom Avenue from noon up to evening during the grand parade on January 21.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña said that part of the parade route is “where the crowd gets rowdy.”

Last year there was a near stampede in the area while street dancers were performing.

It was not clear what types of establishments will be closed.

Juana Osmeña Street and General Maxilom Avenue are lined with restaurants, convenience stores, pubs, restobars and night clubs.

Not everyone welcomes the closure plan. Mary Ellex Lanit, 19, who has been hanging out with her friends during climax of the Sinulog festival, questioned the move.

“What? Why? Firstly, they should be clear about what establishments will be closed. If he (Mayor Osmeña) says that stores selling liquor will be the ones closed, then maybe, that would be okay because people who would want to drink would still find a way. But fastfood restaurants, convenience stores? That’s a big no,” Lanit said.

“What does the mayor want us to do? Bring backpacks? So that we can put in bottled water and meal boxes while crossing the street and partying?” she added.

Osmeña also wants vendors outside the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño and those who are planning to sell along the parade route to register with City Hall. The last day for registration is November 15.

“If they cannot comply with the requirements, then they will not be allowed to sell (on the areas during the festivity),” said Councilor Dave Tumulak, who has been named chairman of Sinulog 2018’s Executive Committee. Tumulak said qualified vendors will be given identification cards with the vendor’s picture and a security code by the Sinulog Foundation Incorporated (SFI). The regulation will take effect starting January 11, when daily novena masses start at the Basilica and will last until the grand parade.

Vendors with no IDs will be apprehended and their goods confiscated, Tumulak said.

The Sinulog Foundation met last week to discuss preparations for the celebration.

Foundation Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said SFI is closely coordinating with Tumulak and Jess Anthony dela Cruz of the city’s Local Youth Development Office, who is assigned to organize the Sinulog sa Dakbayan.