Cebu Archbishop Alberto Uy has made a public appeal to the organizers of the Sinulog Festival, urging them to decline any financial sponsorship from gambling-related businesses. The prelate emphasized that the festival is, at its heart, a religious celebration dedicated to the Santo Niño and should not be compromised by associations with industries that contradict its core values.
A Call for Moral Discernment in Sponsorship
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page, "Maymay sa Magbalantay," on Friday, January 9, 2026, Archbishop Uy called for careful discernment regarding the sources of funding for the annual event. He stressed that while partnerships with gambling establishments might generate needed revenue, they ultimately send a conflicting message to the Catholic faithful and the wider community.
The Sinulog Festival, which honors the Holy Child Jesus (Santo Niño), is celebrated every third weekend of January, with the main festivities for 2026 scheduled for January 18. The Archbishop reiterated that the event is not merely a cultural spectacle or a tourism draw but a profound expression of faith.
Why Gambling Sponsorship Undermines the Festival
Archbishop Uy outlined several key reasons for his firm stance against gambling sponsorships. He pointed out that such establishments are often linked to harmful social issues, including:
- Addiction and compulsive behavior
- Severe financial loss for individuals and families
- Broken relationships and domestic problems
He argued that these realities are fundamentally incompatible with the virtues embodied by the Santo Niño, which he described as innocence, purity, and unwavering trust in God. Accepting funds from this sector, he warned, creates a moral inconsistency where the Church discourages harmful vices while allowing a sacred celebration to be funded by the very industries that promote them.
The Archbishop further expressed concern that such sponsorships could weaken the Sinulog's credibility as a tool for evangelization. He fears public perception could shift from viewing it as a religious feast to seeing it as just another commercial spectacle.
Seeking Aligned Partnerships and Protecting the Vulnerable
In his appeal, Archbishop Uy highlighted that gambling disproportionately impacts the poor and vulnerable segments of society. Therefore, it is inappropriate for a festival rooted in faith to seek support from industries that may contribute to poverty and family breakdown.
Instead, he encouraged organizers to proactively seek partnerships with public and private institutions that share the festival's core values of faith, family, community, and cultural integrity. This approach, he believes, ensures the celebration's authenticity.
"The Sinulog is not merely a cultural event or a tourism activity," Archbishop Uy stated definitively. "It is, above all, a religious celebration, rooted in our faith and centered on the Child Jesus. Its spiritual meaning must be preserved, protected, and respected." His call to action aims to ensure that every aspect of the Sinulog, including its funding, reflects the joy, purity, and spiritual significance of the Santo Niño.
