Cebu Mayor Reflects on Sinulog 2026: A Mixed Bag of Success and Operational Challenges
Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has provided a comprehensive review of the 2026 Sinulog Festival, held on Sunday, January 18, describing it as generally successful but pinpointing several operational lapses that require attention for future celebrations. During a press conference on Tuesday, January 20, Archival emphasized that while crowd control and security were effectively managed, shortcomings emerged in sanitation, accessibility, and basic public services.
Security and Crowd Management Praised, but Service Gaps Identified
Archival commended the strong police visibility throughout the event, with officers actively managing crowd movement and traffic flow. However, he noted significant issues in key areas such as the grandstand at the Cebu City Sports Center, where confusion over entry points led to accessibility problems for attendees. The mayor stated, "We will have to find ways to improve for next year as we have learned our lesson," underscoring the need for better planning.
Celebrity Movements and Public Amenities Under Scrutiny
One notable problem involved the movement of floats, which was slowed at certain points due to celebrities disembarking, causing minor congestion along the route. Archival announced that celebrities will no longer be allowed to get off their floats in future celebrations to prevent such disruptions. Additionally, he raised concerns about the lack of accessible comfort rooms, noting that some contingents could not use available restrooms because not all private establishments along the Sinulog route permitted public access. This situation, he said, must be addressed to enhance attendee comfort.
Water Stations and Waste Management: Critical Areas for Improvement
With authorities estimating that more than five million people joined the revelries, the City deployed 10 hydration points, but these were quickly overwhelmed. Archival highlighted the need for additional water stations next year to prevent heat-related incidents. On waste management, the celebration generated an estimated 700 to 1,000 tons of garbage. While plastic bottles were segregated and residual waste was transported to a private landfill in Consolacion, Archival acknowledged that garbage volume remains a major challenge due to the large number of attendees. He proposed that each contingent should have a designated person responsible for collecting garbage from its members in the future.
Billeting and Cleanliness: Addressing Infrastructure and Incentives
Archival also pointed out problems in billeting rooms across 10 schools used by contingents, including the absence of garbage bins and poor ventilation in medical and emergency areas, which he described as uncomfortably hot. Improvements in airflow and layout planning are needed. In response to public criticism over limited trash bins along the route, he explained that clustering garbage cans can turn areas into dumping sites, so the City opted for controlled collection points and continuous street sweeping. To incentivize cleanliness, the City will hold a party for street sweepers, though Archival cautioned that giving incentives may create expectations for rewards every time duties are performed.
Overall Assessment and Future Outlook
Despite these challenges, Archival described the Sinulog Festival as "very successful," citing effective coordination among agencies and the overall peaceful atmosphere. He also acknowledged persistent issues like pickpocketing during large gatherings, which authorities must continue to address. As Cebu City looks ahead to next year's celebration, these insights will guide efforts to enhance the festival experience for all participants.
