In a significant shift for one of Cebu's major festivals, Lapu-Lapu City has officially announced it will not participate in the Sinulog Festival in 2026. The decision stems from the city's need to focus its efforts and resources on its upcoming role as a host for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) 2026 activities.
Strategic Shift to Regional Stage
Garry Lao, the head of the Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Office (CTO), confirmed the city's withdrawal in an interview. He stated that the city is now concentrating all its preparations on its responsibilities as one of the hosts for ASEAN 2026. The major ASEAN events are scheduled to begin on January 26-30, 2026.
Lao emphasized that while Lapu-Lapu City has a strong desire to join the Sinulog celebrations, the choice to skip the festival was made after careful consideration. He noted that the city's performing groups and dancers understood the valid reasons behind the strategic prioritization. The CTO had the capacity to participate but ultimately chose to redirect its focus entirely toward the international event.
A Look Back at a Notable Performance
This decision marks a pause after a recent notable achievement for the city's contingent. In January 2025, Lapu-Lapu City made an impressive debut as a regular competitor in the Sinulog Festival. After participating for many years as a guest contingent, the city's group secured third place in the Free Interpretation category.
Their award-winning performance, centered on the theme “Kulit sa Mactan,” successfully outperformed several other contingents. This success makes the 2026 absence particularly notable, highlighting the significance of the ASEAN commitment.
Broader Context of Festival Withdrawals
Lapu-Lapu City is not alone in pulling out of the Sinulog festivities for 2026. Other cities and municipalities have also decided not to participate, but for different, more urgent reasons. Several local governments are victims of recent typhoons and earthquakes, and the funds originally earmarked for festival participation have been reallocated to recovery and rehabilitation efforts.
This creates a dual narrative for the upcoming Sinulog: some absences are due to calamity response, while Lapu-Lapu's is a strategic choice to prepare for a high-profile international summit. The move underscores the city's significant logistical and ceremonial role in the Philippines' hosting of the ASEAN 2026 meetings.
