Cebu City has made a significant adjustment to its financial plans for next year's grand Sinulog festival, prioritizing urgent community needs in the wake of a recent natural disaster.
Budget Reallocated for Disaster Recovery
The city government, under Mayor Nestor Archival, has decided to reduce the Sinulog 2026 budget from an initially proposed P100 million to P78 million. The substantial difference of P22 million will be redirected to support rehabilitation and recovery programs for communities impacted by Typhoon Tino.
Mayor Archival emphasized that this budget adjustment reflects the administration's commitment to addressing post-disaster needs as a primary concern. He assured the public that the city remains dedicated to delivering a successful Sinulog celebration, even with the lower spending.
Confirmed Contingents and Festival Adjustments
Despite the budget cut, participation remains strong. As of the November 30 deadline, a total of 37 contingents have confirmed their place in the grand parade. The lineup is composed of:
- 12 out-of-town groups
- 17 contingents from Cebu City barangays and schools
- 7 participants from Cebu Province and nearby cities
- 1 guest performer: the famous Masskara Festival of Bacolod
To manage the event efficiently, the city will retain last year's carousel parade route but implement stricter crowd control measures. These will include limits on floats and discouraging large groups from following contingent vehicles.
Changes to Festival Events and Theme
A notable change for Sinulog 2026 is the cancellation of street parties directly organized by the City Government. Instead, any potential festival-related events will be handled by the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI). Possible venues for these activities have been identified as:
- South Road Properties
- Escario area
- Plaza Independencia
- IT Park
The mayor also announced that the festival will carry the theme "United in Faith and Love" alongside the traditional call of "One Beat, One Dance." Prize allocations for winners will remain unchanged from the previous year.
Aiming for Success with Prudent Spending
Mayor Archival expressed confidence that the city can replicate the success of Sinulog 2025, which concluded close to 10 p.m. and featured 43 contingents, including guest performers. The goal is to deliver a festival that honors tradition and faith while demonstrating fiscal responsibility and compassion for typhoon-affected residents.
This move highlights a balancing act between preserving cultural heritage and responding to immediate humanitarian needs, setting a precedent for community-focused governance during the festival season.
