Establishments urged: Be hospitable, allow use of CR on Sinulog parade

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is asking all establishments along the Sinulog parade route to make their restrooms available for spectators and dancers during the grand parade on January 15.

Rama, who is also chairman of the Sinulog Foundation Inc., said establishments, being part of Cebu and the festivity, must be hospitable by opening their comfort rooms for one day because lack of comfort rooms have always been the complaint of the dancers and spectators in the previous years.

Ricky Ballesteros said during the final meeting for Sinulog yesterday at the Sinulog Hall, that they have already sent notices to the establishments along the carousel route to open their restrooms and refrain from constructing any obstruction on the sidewalk.

They also told the establishments to refrain from conducting parties because it might cause traffic and obstruction during the parade.

All sidewalks must also be free from obstructions because the Cebu Contractors Association will be using them to build bleachers in different strategic points with 9,000 seats for the public.

Building Official Josefa Ylanan said that private establishments may build bleachers within their private property but they have to apply for a permit for temporary structure.

The Metropolitan Cebu Water District will be installing about 17 booths that will serve as water station. MCWD will also provide 24-hours water supply to the Sto. Niño devotees who will stay at the devotee city.

In terms of security, Senior Inspector Ranulfo Espina of the Police Community Relations said that the police are ready to secure the whole province especially, Cebu City, during the festivity.

He said they have applied for the suspension of all permits to carry outside residence within Cebu City before Camp Crame but they have not received a feedback.

They have also asked additional policemen from the Regional Office to augment their operation but he said the total number of police to be deployed during the Sinulog Grand Parade is still up for finalization.

Ballesteros said that people have to watch out for new entries from out of town this year especially the Placer, Masbate which will be sending two contingents this year – one for the Free Interpretation Category and one for the Sinulog Based Category.

He said Placer hired one of the well-known choreographers in the city.

First time out of town contingents include Zamboanga Sigubay, Kidapawan City and Alang-alang Leyte.

Ballesteros said spectators also have to watch out for the local contingents who have prepared big time this year like Abellana National School and Carcar.

He said all contingents were told to show something new and more creative since the judges are almost the same as last year.

“Judges want something new, something fresh. So we told them to be more creative and do more research,” Ballesteros said.

Some out of town contingents will start arriving on Monday, Ballesteros said.

He said contingents want to make sure they will not be delayed if ever there will be bad weather conditions during the Sinulog week. Out of town contingents will be housed at the Cebu City Sports Center while some will be housed in public schools near the sports center. — (FREEMAN)