Rama to give P500 thousand to Lumad Basakanon

CEBU, Philippines —  Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has pledged P500,000 to Tribu Lumad Basakanon for giving pride not only to the city but the entire country after winning the Powerful Daegu Festival 2022 in South Korean.

Rama disclosed the amount, which will also be used by the group for the Sinulog 2023, during their courtesy call to the mayor on Thursday, July 28, 2022.

The city government has been very supportive to the Lumad Basakanon contingent. In fact, the city has given an undisclosed amount of financial assistance to help the group defray the travel expenses to South Korea. The group won a total cash price of P342,000.

“Kang P300,000 kuwang ra kaayo na pagpreparar sa Sinulog 2023. Usually pila atong gastohon pag -Sinulog? More than a million (pesos) di ba? So, atong ihatag minimum of P500,000. Mao na ako-a, five hundred (thousand pesos) plus three hundred (thousand pesos). Pagkahuman, gamay nalang ang contribution ni Mike Rama,” said Rama as reported by the city’s Public Information Office (PIO).

Rama ordered a member of the City Protocol Office to inform Councilor Donaldo “Dondon” Hontiveros, who chairs the City Council’s Committee on Tourism, to work on the documents needed for the provision of the P500,000.

“Ikaw nalay pahinumdom, connect ni (Konsehal) Dondon (Hontiveros), and then tan-awa kana bang pilay mahatag nato as our recognition for them for having given us pride,” he directed.

Barangay Captain Norman Navarro of Basak San Nicolas expressed his gratitude to the city government for the support. He said the amount promised by the mayor would be a big help for the group’s preparation for the upcoming Sinulog. Navarro leads the Tribu Lumad Basakanon.

“Gusto lang mi mo-extend sa among pasalamat niya (Mayor Rama) ug sa City Council sa ilang pagsuporta namo didto sa Daegu. Kay kung wala sila dili ni mahitabo nga nidaug mi didto, kay sila may nangita’g paagi nga makaadto gyud mi,” said Navarro.

The Tribu Lumad Basakanon showcased the beat and colors of the Sinulog during the competition that paved the way for a come-from-behind victory against Mongolia.

When the group returned to the city, the city government headed by Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, who was then acting mayor, honored them following the City Hall’s flag raising ceremony on July 18.

Aside from accepting their recognition, the winning group also performed their award-winning dance moves to the delight of the City Hall employees. — FPL (FREEMAN)