Governor Pamela Baricuatro announced on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, that a participation cap will be enforced for the upcoming Festival of Festivals. Only 15 contingents will be allowed to compete under a P20 million budget, with slots distributed on a first-come, first-served basis among Cebu’s component cities and municipalities.
Governor Addresses Concerns
During a press conference, Baricuatro clarified that the event is not Pasigarbo, so participants don’t need to start from scratch. She dismissed comparisons to the province’s other cultural tournament, noting that if fewer than 15 contingents register, the Festival of Festivals will be canceled. The grand ritual showdown is set at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
Financial Assistance for LGUs
To ease financial burdens, each of the 15 successful contingents will receive a P1 million subsidy for operational expenses. For island municipalities Bantayan and Camotes, the subsidy increases to P1.5 million due to heavy maritime transport costs. Each contingent must maintain a lean delegation of 60 to 100 participants.
Baricuatro explained that since contingents already have costumes, choreography, and props, the subsidy is mainly for logistics and minor enhancements. This also serves as preparation for those who truly want to join.
Policy Shift from Pasigarbo
According to a SunStar report on June 9, 2026, this announcement marks a dramatic policy shift and name change from the lavish Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, launched in 2008. The compromise idea gained traction on June 1, 2026, during an online debate on the "Cebu Festivals" Facebook page. Baricuatro proposed an exclusive showcase of existing festival winners to stay within budget and avoid running past midnight.
The previous administration spent P255 million on the 2024 Pasigarbo, including over P200 million in preparation subsidies and P55 million in cash prizes. The choice of CCSC marks the return of a major provincial cultural festival to the grandstand after intense venue coordination. Due to the rigid 15-contingent limit, LGUs are expected to rush official registrations to avoid being locked out.
