Governor Gwen Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia led a coordination meeting at the Capitol to ensure that the highly anticipated Sinulog Festivities this coming January 19 will run smoothly and safely.
This as the Cebu City Government anticipates a massive turnout of spectators and revelers, with approximate figures reaching up to three million people eager to witness the grand festivities returning to the Old Carousel Route and the Cebu City Sports Centre after two ill-advised years at the SRP.
The Sinulog Street dancing and Grand Ritual Showdown will feature 42 contingents, including groups from outside Cebu. Three other guest contingents will also be offering Sinulog dances, including the Cebu Provincial contingent, featuring Governor Gwen Garcia and the City of Naga’s Dagitab Festival dancers.
To ensure the safety of both contingents and the viewing public, a comprehensive security plan was outlined.
The Police Regional Office-7 will deploy over 7,000 uniformed security personnel and force multipliers across the area. These officers will be tasked with securing the safety of the spectators and participants. The PNP will also install 32 units of 360-degree CCTV cameras along the 5.6-kilometer Sinulog Carousel Route to enhance surveillance and monitoring.
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) will also deploy K9 units.
The Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) will play a vital role in keeping participants and spectators hydrated throughout the event. Ten cold water stations will be set up along the parade route, and MCWD will provide safe, potable water for schools that will serve as billeting quarters for the contingents.
Visayan Electric will also lend its support by shouldering the power consumption inside the Cebu City Sports Center on Grand Mardi Gras Day. In addition, the company will provide additional power supply to ensure there is enough energy to accommodate the demands of the event across Cebu City.
Telecommunications companies such as Globe, Smart, PLDT, Converge, and DITO have also joined the efforts to ensure smooth communication during the event. They will set up LED screens at the command centers and public viewing areas, including Plaza Independencia, Fuente Osmeña Circle, and inside the Cebu City Sports Center.
Big businesses have also shown their commitment in supporting the Sinulog.
PEPSI will provide tents, tables, chairs, and 8,000 bottles of water for the contingents and support teams of the Sinulog Foundation.
San Miguel Foods will distribute dressed chicken to the contingents for their meals, while also providing free rice bowls to the working committees of the Sinulog Foundation and the security personnel.
In addition, Roble Shipping Lines has committed to providing free transport for out-of-town contingents, ensuring that their props and dancers can travel with ease to and from Cebu.
The Philippine Coast Guard will also provide vessels to ferry participants from Camotes Island.
During the meeting, Mayor Garcia took the opportunity to thank Governor Gwen for her instrumental support in making Sinulog 2025 a reality.
“This shows commitment and oneness with the Cebu City Government. Pasalamat kaayo ko sa tabang ni Gov. Gwen for Sinulog 2025, where it is back to where it belongs: the Cebu City Sports Center,” Mayor Garcia said.
For her part, Governor Gwen underscored the crucial role played by each stakeholder in ensuring the success of the event.
“You all play a vital role in making this Sinulog a huge success. Magtinabangay ta,” Governor Garcia said, encouraging everyone to work together to make Sinulog 2025 an unforgettable and safe celebration for all. | JMT