Rama hopes no repetition of CTU controversy
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is hoping that the Sinulog interpretation of the Cebu Technological University community that drew controversies will “not be repeated again,” saying that what happened should serve as a "lesson."
Rama was reacting to CTU’s representation of Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in which its contingent, clad in a traditional Muslim costume, performed with an image of Señor Sto. Nino.
“It is just unfortunate…I wish that it will not be repeated,” said the mayor.
The CTU has apologized to the country's Muslim community for its lapse in judgment concerning the concept of its Sinulog dance presentation during the Sinulog 2024 ceremonial opening at the Cebu City Sports Center last Friday.
According to Rama, there will be no investigation on the matter, and added that what happened will serve as a “lesson.”
Rama also said that what matters most in representations is “sensitivity.”
He added that what had transpired may be due to the reign of excitement.
“The objectivity is not as much as we emphasized, it ended up, akong tan-aw wa gyud to’y bad intent tingale uy, of course, we should learn from it and move on,” said Rama.
In line with this, Rama apologized to the Muslim community adding that they will be having a debriefing right after the Sinulog festivities.
“If there are people who may have been affected, I cannot reach all, but being mayor, overall chairman of the board, there are more things to do, what else can I do? Let us move forward because challenges are mounting,” said Rama.
ONE CEBU ISLAND
Meanwhile, Rama also expressed his delight in the recentlyconcluded Sinulog sa Lalawigan saying that it ended “well.”
In his speech during the Sinulog sa Lalawigan, Rama invited the contingents to join the grand ritual showdown if they met the qualifications.
“It has always been a welcome thing, there’s no problem about it. Also, kining mga contingent, they knew about it too. Naa man silay mga organization sad, maka feel man ka ana na they are organized. So we just have to wait,” he said.
“Kay naa man guy tay mga kaugalingong lagda, and if they will comply (with) it, then they will all be a part of the grand Mardi Gra, the mother of all festivals,” he added.
Aside from this, Rama also said he had invited Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.
He added he wasn’t able to personally talk with the governor on the matter of the contingents despite having been side by side during the Sinulog sa Lalawigan.
According to him, the Sinulog sa Lalawigan is an image of “unity” and “fulfillment “hence a symbol of the “One Cebu Island” mantra.
As to the confirmation of the attendance of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. and Vice President Sara Duterte, Rama said they are still waiting for the response to the invitation for the two to witness the grand ritual showdown.