Sinulog contingent from Talisay City to return after a one-year absence

City Government to give group P5.6 million Talisay City Central School students have started practicing

THE Talisay City Government will set aside P5.6 million for its comeback in the Sinulog Festival next year.

Dr. Leah Noveras, Talisay City Schools Division superintendent, told reporters that their official contingent has been busy preparing their presentation for the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan.

Last year, Talisay City did not join the annual event due to alleged budget restraints.

It was the first time in many years that the city failed to send a representative despite garnering numerous awards.

Noveras told reporters that their presentation will not only serve as their offi- cial competition piece, but also their yearly prayer to the Sto. Niño.

“First and foremost it is a religious activity. We will do our job to honor the Sto. Niño and dance for the child Jesus, not just dance to win,” Noveras said.

Studies first

Students of the Talisay City Central School in Barangay Poblacion started practicing yesterday.

Noveras assured that the studies of the students, who are participating, will not be affected.

Their studies will come first before dance practices, she said.

Noveras said she was grateful to the City Government for allocating a bigger budget for their contingent next year, although she’s not yet sure if the amount is enough since they’re still determining how much the costumes will cost.

She was also glad that Mayor Eduardo Gullas is supportive of their contingent. The mayor is a known devotee of the Sto. Niño.

For three consecutive years, Talisay City won the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan. It also placed third in the Sinulog Grand Parade in 2015.

But during this year’s Sinulog Festival, the City did not send a contingent after former mayor Johnny de los Reyes said they didn’t have enough funds to support the dancers.