PWDs discouraged from joining Sinulog revelry

CEBU, Philippines - While they recognize the rights of persons with disabilities to join rallies and celebrations, the Department of Health yesterday discouraged them from participating in the grand parade and Sinulog revelries.

“If mahimo ayaw nalang, but if they insist kay naa sila’y mga panata, then atong hangyoon nga magdala sila og tambal ug bring with them a companion to assist them,” said program coordinator of the Health Emergency Management of the DOH Dr. Expedito Medalla.

Medalla said that it will be likely that crowds will be thick where the grand parade will take place and those who have medical conditions or disabilities might get hurt if anything untoward happens.

In yesterday’s AGIO forum held at the compound of DOH-Central Office, Medalla, however, said that medical teams will be set up in different areas where the grand parade takes place on Sunday

Also, Cebu City parole and probation officers Maria Bernadette Garcia and Hannah Villamor said that at least 150 probationers will help clean up after the Sinulog.

They will be assigned to clean up at the vicinity of the Cebu City Sports Center and Osmeña Blvd.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7 already urged the public to think about the environmental impact of the celebration.

“You could just imagine the volume of garbage and waste we will be generating for this occasion that we love to celebrate annually,” said DENR-7 regional executive director Maximo Dichoso.

He also called on stakeholders to continue cleaning some of the waterways because there is so much more that remains to be done.

He also called on everyone to bring separate trash bags for biodegradable and non-biodegradable waste and minimize trash by using re-usable utensils during the Sinulog celebration.

Dichoso further advised people to bring only sufficient amount of food and drinks placed in reusable or recyclable containers; bring home any leftovers for reheating, pet food, or compost material and not burn garbage as it will contribute to air pollution.

Thousands of Cebuanos and other local and foreign tourists are expected to troop to the streets on January 15 for the Sinulog grand parade.   – (FREEMAN)