Capitol to donate P3M to Sinulog Foundation

Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III said the provincial government will give P3 million in financial assistance to the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) to assist organizers in the staging of this year’s Sinulog Grand Parade.

The Provincial Board already approved the giving of the donation in a session yesterday.

The Capitol extended the same amount of aid to the SFI last year.

Davide also said the province has handed out P250,000 in assistance to the contingent from the municipality of Daanbantayan, which will be back to the Sinulog stage this year after three years of hiatus.

The town’s contingent, represented by pupils of Maya Elementary School, last appeared on the Sinulog stage in 2015. It finished fifth place in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan.

In a separate interview, Vice Governor Agnes Magpale said she is exploring the possibility of extending monetary aid to all contingents from the province that joined in the Sinulog sa Lalawigan last January 13.

“Mangita ko’g [financial aid]. I was thinking of that gyud,” she said.

Yesterday, the Provincial Board congratulated the contingents from the cities of Talisay and Carcar for winning the first and second places, respectively, in the province-wide Sinulog ritual showdown.

The two are qualified to join the Sinulog Grand Parade this Sunday.

Talisay City budget officer Edgar Mabunay said his office will talk with Talisay contingent’s production committee today to check if they need additional budget for their presentation during the grand parade.

The city allocated P6.7 million for its participation in the Sinulog this year, which includes the budget needed during grand parade. However, Mabunay had said that if the presenters would need additional funds, the city would provide.

Additional funds will be used to cover transportation and meal allowances of the dancers, propsmen, and support staff, he said.

Reacting to Mayor Eduardo Gullas’ decision to reduce the budget that will be allocated for Talisay’s Sinulog participation next year, Mabunay said it is also doable.

The city, he said, can also spend less if the Sinulog Foundation would revise its guidelines and discourage props during presentation.

Mabunay shared that the city’s contingent is now polishing its presentation and repairing minor glitches on the props to give a better performance during grand parade.

“We have to prepare with hope and prayers, ampo ta nga tagaan og sakto nga strength. Taas na baya ang sayawan, unya whole day,” he said.