Mayor discourages use of babies as Niños

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is discouraging the use of young children as props during the Sinulog mardigras by dressing them as Santo Niño and waving them in the air.

That, as Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia yesterday announced she will be dancing with the Bonga Festival contingent from Sibonga during the Sinulog.

Rama agrees that using children in the dance can be considered a violation of the Special Protection of Children Against Abuse, Exploitation and Discrimination Act.

For the past years, the public has seen young children participating in the Sinulog mardi gras. Although these contingents get more response from viewers, Rama said this should be discouraged. But he said he will not impose a total ban but asks dancers to be careful.

The FREEMAN learned some parents dress their children as Santo Niño as part of their “panaad” or promise to the Holy Child when the child had severe illness.

“Sagdi na lang na kay ang Santo Niño bata man usab na, sigurado nga malipay usab na siya ana,” the mayor said.

Sinulog Foundation Inc. Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros expects 10,000 crowd control personnel – soldiers, barangay tanods, volunteers and students from the different schools - to maintain order in the parade route.

Although organizers issue passes for those who wish to walk inside the parade route, Rama admitted that people still walk in places intended only for contingents.

The Cebu Contractors Association will help the Sinulog Foundation Inc. by constructing bleachers in strategic places. This can accommodate 10,000 persons for free.

 Rama said the police should remind security guards manning the establishments to help maintain peace not only at their respective areas.

Ballesteros expects more than two million people to troop to the parade routes.

Ballesteros is concerned about the weather during the mardi gras on June 16. He advises dancers to wear “all weather” shoes.

He added that they used another kind of paint for the floor of the grand Sinulog stage to make sure it won’t be slippery.

Balikbayans are already in Cebu to witness the event, with the tourism department saying Cebu City hotels are fully booked now. Ballesteros said the rest can stay in Mactan’s hotels.

A fireworks display is scheduled by Brian Lim, whose pyrotechnics products were confiscated and destroyed by the City Hall.

At the Capitol, Garcia said she was invited to deliver a message during the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan and to award the winners.

 She will be dancing again this year in thanksgiving for the continued protection and guidance she and Cebu have received.

 Garcia chose the Bonga Festival, the second placer in last year’s Pasigarbo sa Sugbo Festival of Festivals held at the Cebu International Convention Center.

 Garcia said the province will again extend financial assistance if the Sinulog Foundation asks for it.

 Last year, the Province of Cebu gave P2 million to Sinulog Foundation. – Rene U. Borromeo and Gregg M. Rubio/JPM (THE FREEMAN)