Cebu City authorities have identified several urgent problems along the planned route for the Sinulog 2026 Grand Parade that require immediate resolution. Mayor Nestor Archival disclosed the findings following a comprehensive walk-through inspection conducted last week with relevant agencies.
Critical Infrastructure Flaws Discovered
The inspection covered the entire parade route, starting from N. Bacalso Avenue, proceeding to P. del Rosario Street, Imus Avenue, General Maxilom Avenue, Fuente Osmeña Circle, Osmeña Boulevard, and back to the Cebu City Sports Center. Mayor Archival highlighted three primary concerns: areas prone to flooding, insufficient street lighting, and various obstructions on roads and sidewalks.
Specific sections of the route have significant water pooling issues, especially in low-lying areas where gutters could easily overflow during rain. Furthermore, several stretches have poor or non-functional street lights, raising serious safety concerns for performers and spectators during nighttime activities.
Safety and Logistics at Stake
Beyond drainage and lighting, Archival emphasized that uncleared road and sidewalk barriers could severely impede the movement of crowds and, crucially, hinder emergency response during major Sinulog events. The city is also focusing on stronger coordination for areas near the upcoming Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) stations along the route, anticipating potential crowd congestion and infrastructure vulnerabilities since the system is not yet operational.
A key goal for the city is to conclude the Sinulog Grand Parade events by 8:00 PM, earlier than in previous years, to facilitate better crowd management and security. Security for the Grand Parade and the Solemn Procession remains a top priority.
Preparations and Participant Numbers Ramp Up
Following the Christmas and New Year celebrations, Mayor Archival stated that the city government will now concentrate all its efforts and resources on preparing for the Fiesta Señor and Sinulog Festival. Engineering, drainage, and lighting teams are expected to begin necessary repairs and improvements in the coming weeks. Clearing operations and stricter enforcement against illegal obstructions are also being planned.
The city is preparing for increased participation, with up to 40 contingents now expected to join Sinulog 2026, based on the latest data from the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI). This number is higher than the initial report of 36 applying groups. The final participant count is still subject to approval by both the SFI and the Cebu City Government.
