Mayor Rama okay with CCSC

CEBU, Philippines — Following the coordination meeting at the Capitol where at least 16 Cebu local government units (LGU) have signified their participation in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama yesterday said he will inspect the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) to assess its feasibility as a venue.

This early, however, he said he is okay with having the event there.

“Actually, we can always have that plan over there, but not the huge nga pwerteng daghanang tawo,” he said.

“I will make a visit of the whole sports complex…. But there’s no problem…kay naa na may stage didto daan. Actually, para sa blocking, naa nay stage didto, then the possibility of having the (Sinulog sa) Lalawigan and Dakbayan (is real),” he added.

In particular, he would check if for further repairs or enhance the venue.

But despite saying that the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan (Jan. 13) and the Sinulog sa Dakbayan (Jan. 14) can be held at the CCSC, the mayor clarified that the place is still not suitable as the venue for the Sinulog on Jan. 21, particularly for the ritual showdown.

“Dili sad. Kay lahi na’g crowd and Dakbayan ug sa Lalawigan kaysa tibuok na gyud nga dancing. (Mas) daghan na’g tawo (ang Sinulog), lahi na siya,” he said.

With the 16 Cebu LGU’s decision to join the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan following the meeting with Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who promised P2 million as aid for those in mainland Cebu and P2.5 million for those from the islands, Rama said it is a “very good” development for Cebu.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said he would now be handling the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan after an initial talk with the mayor.

The vice mayor, though, said that despite the verbal agreement on the designation, he would like to have a formal and written appointment.

It was initially agreed that the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan, Sinulog sa Dakbayan, and the Festival Queen will be held at the CCSC.

“So, si Governor Gwen welcomed the development,” Vice Mayor Garcia said.

On the request to move the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan to Jan. 18 or 19 to give more time for the Cebu LGU participants, he said he spoke with the mayor and that it was agreed that it would not be possible.

“Di madala sa sa 19 because 19 is Friday. And schedule man gud sa 19 is Festival Queen, ‘nya ang Festival Queen wa man gud nay parade, wa man nay lakaw-lakaw. Di na nimo isira ang dalan. Mora ra na og beauty pageant didto sa Abellana (CCSC), dili ra na maka-cause og traffic,” Vice Mayor Garcia said.

He said having the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan on a Friday is not possible since it requires road closures, and Friday is a busy day. — (FREEMAN)