Cebu Archbishop Alberto "Abet" Uy has made a strong appeal to the organizers of the Sinulog Festival, urging them to avoid accepting any financial aid or sponsorship from gambling establishments. The Archbishop emphasized that Sinulog is a religious celebration centered on devotion to the Holy Child, the Señor Santo Niño.
A Call to Protect the Festival's Sacred Nature
In a post on his Facebook page "Maymay sa Magbalantay" on January 9, 2026, Archbishop Uy reminded the public that Sinulog is not merely a cultural or tourism activity. He stressed it is a spiritual movement that must be respected and protected. According to Uy, accepting funds from the gambling industry sends a conflicting message to the faithful. The Santo Niño symbolizes purity and trust in God, while gambling is associated with vice.
The Social Harms of Gambling
The Archbishop pointed out that gambling often leads to addiction, financial loss, and family problems. Because of these detrimental effects, it is incompatible with the values of the festival. He stated that the Church cannot preach against harmful vices while allowing a sacred celebration to be funded by industries linked to those very vices.
Archbishop Uy further explained that gambling has a disproportionately negative impact on the poor and vulnerable sectors of society. He argued it is not right to seek support from businesses that contribute to poverty and the breakdown of families.
A Plea for Ethical Partnerships
Instead, he called on festival organizers to seek partners and sponsors from institutions that value faith, family, and community. This move, he believes, would align the festival's funding with its core spiritual and cultural mission, ensuring its integrity remains intact.
The Archbishop's statement has sparked a significant conversation about the ethical sourcing of funds for major public and religious events in the Philippines, placing the spotlight on the world-famous Sinulog Festival in Cebu.
