The Cebu Provincial School Board (PSB) has approved a budget of P3,961,725 for this year’s Cebu Provincial Sports and Cultural Festival which will be held in the City of Naga from February 9–14.
Gov. Gwen Garcia, chair of the PSB, signed the budget request prepared by Dr. Senen Paulin, Cebu Provincial Schools Division Superintendent, during the PSB meeting at the Capitol on January 28.
Dr. Paulin told 𝗦𝘂𝗴𝗯𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀 that the amount will cover the meals and snacks, as well as uniforms of 1,410 personnel who comprise the program management and working committee. He added that the Department of Education will shell out P3.7 million as counterpart.
This year’s sports and cultural meet is expected to attract a record-breaking 16,358 participants, including athletes, coaches, technical officials, and committee members from 44 participating local government units in Cebu.
Compared to last year which only gathered over 6,000 participants, this year’s figures have ballooned three times
Dr. Paulin said that the surge in numbers can be attributed to better preparation this year, with more athletes and LGUs ready to participate after the pandemic hiatus.
Dr. Paulin also noted that the involvement of mayors last year played a role in encouraging greater participation this time around.
“They have been encouraged; and let us also take note nga kining participation nila is endorsed ni sa ilang mayor. Meaning to say, their mayor even is interested,” he told 𝗦𝘂𝗴𝗯𝗼 𝗡𝗲𝘄𝘀.
The City of Naga will be aided by neighboring LGUs in hosting the event, including Minglanilla, San Fernando, and Carcar City. Over 24 sports categories and more than 10 cultural competitions are slated to showcase the talents and skills of the province’s school youth.
Winners of this year’s province-wide tournament will represent Cebu at the Central Visayas Regional Athletic Association (CVIRAA).
With a larger budget and more participation, this year’s sports and cultural festival is expected to be a grander celebration of Cebu’s talent, culture, and sportsmanship. | BJR