Talisay City Mayor Gerald Anthony "Samsam" Gullas has announced the cancellation of several major city events, including the 2025 Christmas program, participation in Sinulog 2026, and the 2026 Charter Day concert.
Funds Redirected to Typhoon Recovery
The decision, reached last week after assessing damage in severely affected barangays, will redirect the allocated budgets toward rebuilding communities devastated by Typhoon Tino. According to Mayor Gullas, the city will still install a Christmas tree and belen at city hall grounds, but decorations will be significantly simpler compared to previous years.
"We will not focus on beautifying our Christmas program. We will still put up symbols of hope, but this is not the time for lavish displays," Gullas stated. "We need to help areas that were washed out by Typhoon Tino."
Prioritizing Community Needs
The budget originally designated for the Christmas program, Sinulog participation, and Charter Day concert will now support rehabilitation and recovery efforts. Mayor Gullas emphasized that many Talisaynon residents still require assistance following the typhoon's destruction.
This isn't the first time Talisay has made such adjustments. The mayor recalled that during their recent fiesta, the city similarly scaled back entertainment activities to aid local government units in Northern Cebu that were affected by previous storms.
Continuing a Pattern of Fiscal Responsibility
"The savings we generate from these cancellations will be spent on our own rehabilitation and recovery," Gullas explained. This approach demonstrates the city administration's commitment to addressing immediate community needs before allocating resources to celebratory events.
The announcement, made on November 24, 2025, reflects the city government's proactive response to natural disasters and its dedication to supporting the most vulnerable residents during times of crisis.
