Sinulog activities still intact - Rama

CEBU - With the controversial Commission on Audit policy on the release of public funds to private groups, the city is going through the needle’s eye to get sponsors that could shoulder at least P13 million of expenses, but acting mayor Michael Rama yesterday assured the line-up of activities for the Sinulog would remain intact.

Rama, chairman of the Sinulog Foundation Incorporated, said activities like the search for Festival Queen, Sinulog sa Kabataan, Sinulog sa Dakbayan, and Sinulog sa Lalawigan, will not be cancelled.

SFI Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said the foundation is doing its best to get sponsors to reach the P21 million budget for the Sinulog.

Of the amount, the city government would shoulder the P8 million for the prizes but it has also been the city’s tradition to give financial support to contenders.

So far, SFI has closed a P3 million deal with one company and it only has practically two months more to come up with the remaining P10 million.

The COA Memorandum Circular 2007-001 issued October last year has barred local governments to give financial assistance to private organizations with public officials as among the members.

The circular was issued to address the rampant graft and corruption in government wherein public officials channel government funds to their own foundations or their preferred organizations.

But the circular has affected official transactions of the city government, especially those with organizations it has been supporting like the Sinulog Foundation, Inc., the Operation Second Chance, and even the Cebu Investment and Promotions Center, the marketing arm of the South Road Properties. 

Rama, also the president of the Vice Mayors League of the Philippines, already met with COA officials last week and handed over proposed amendments to the circular.

He said that even if the circular would not be modified before the year ends, there would be no stopping the Sinulog January next year.

“I officially announce that all systems have been worked upon. There will be Sinulog 2009,” Rama said. - Mitchelle L. Palaubsanon/JMO (THE FREEMAN)