𝐆𝐎𝐕. 𝐏𝐀𝐌: 𝐒𝐈𝐍𝐔𝐋𝐎𝐆 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐌𝐀𝐑𝐊𝐒 𝐇𝐄𝐀𝐋𝐈𝐍𝐆, 𝐔𝐍𝐈𝐓𝐘 𝐀𝐅𝐓𝐄𝐑 𝐂𝐄𝐁𝐔’𝐒 𝐓𝐑𝐈𝐀𝐋𝐒
As Cebu celebrates one of the country’s grandest and most colorful festivals through the Sinulog Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown, city and provincial officials presented a unified message of gratitude for the solidarity that has carried the island through recent hardships.
Cebu Governor Pamela Baricuatro said this year’s Sinulog celebration in honor of the Holy Child Jesus carries “deeper significance,” coming after a series of natural disasters that tested Cebu’s resilience.
The governor, who was set to take the Sinulog stage with the Danao City contingent, spoke during the brief opening ceremony of the Sinulog Festivities at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) on Sinulog Sunday, January 18.
“After the (6.9 magnitude) earthquake, after Typhoon Tino, and after the recent landslide in Binaliw, we gather not just to celebrate but to remember, to heal, and to honor the lives we’ve lost,” Gov. Baricuatro said.
According to the Sinulog Foundation, 37 contingents are competing in this year’s Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown, including eight from Cebu Province, 17 from Cebu City, and 12 from outside Cebu.
Gov. Baricuatro also called on Cebuanos to renew their commitment to environmental stewardship.
“As we rejoice today, let us also renew our commitment to care for creation: plant more trees, protect our rivers and seas, and take better care of our environment so future generations can enjoy a thriving Cebu,” she said.
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival thanked the provincial government for jointly celebrating Sinulog with the city, noting that the cooperation was especially meaningful given past differences between the two local governments.
“Ang atong Syudad sa Sugbo, together with the Provincial Government, usa ra ta. We are united,” the mayor said.
The city government assured the public of safety during the festivities, with more than 6,500 security and emergency personnel deployed along key areas of the six-kilometer Sinulog Grand Parade route. | CAPITOL PIO
Check this also: JCI Cebu Chapters Pay Courtesy Visit to Gov. Pamela Baricuatro
