Sinulog kicks off, SFI chair not invited

CEBU, Philippines — The grand Sinulog 2025 festival officially began on Friday, January 10, with city and provincial officials attending the opening ceremonies.

However, the absence of dismissed Cebu City mayor Michael Rama, chairman of the Sinulog Foundation Incorporated (SFI), during the opening salvo was too obvious to go unnoticed.

Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia said Rama was excluded from the list of invited guests.

"We do not send invitations anymore to the members of the SFI board; there's no need," Garcia said during an interview after the opening parade.

The Sinulog 2025 Festival kicked off with a mass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, attended by local officials, SFI representatives, and thousands of devotees. Mayor Garcia officially declared the Sinulog open at the altar, marking the beginning of the week-long celebration.

During the opening mass, Rt. Rev. Msgr. Roberto F. Alesna called on the faithful to pray for Cebu’s leaders, stressing the importance of unity and selfless service. He urged public officials to prioritize the welfare of Cebu City and the province over political affiliations.

He stressed the need to support local officials not through criticism but through prayers, asking Sto. Niño to guide them in their responsibility for public service.

“Dili nato sila sayawon, apan ato silang abagan pinaagi sa pag sangpit kang Señor Sto. Niño nga angkla sa ila sang kinabuhi. Nga magpadayon sila sa pagka matinud-anon, sa ilang tinguha nga mag-alagad sila,” said Msgr. Alesna.

He also reminded those in government to serve not only for their personal gain or that of their families and friends but for the welfare of Cebu City and the province as a whole.

Regardless of their political affiliation whether Kusog, Barug, Bagong Sugbo, BOPK, KBL, or One Cebu Party— Msgr. Alesna called on Cebuanos to pray for them to remain true to their purpose.

“Dili nato igsapayan kung sila buot nga magpasubli ug magpabilin, dili nato igsapayan kung unsa silang partidoha nalakip o nahisakop,” he noted.

“Ato silang iampo nga hangtod mahuman ang ilang termino, before the May 12 midterm elections karon tuiga, magmalamposon usab sila sa paggiya nato,” he added.

As a whole, a message worth of reflection was also highlighted — Sto. Niño as everyone's anchor and guiding force in life's journey.

With the theme “Sto. Niño: Hope of the Pilgrim Church”, this year's Fiesta Señor reminds everyone that life is a constant journey of growth and transformation, guided by faith of Cebu’s Holy Child.

Following the mass, a vibrant Sinulog Parade marched from the Basilica to the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), featuring school contingents, Miss Cebu contestants, vintage cars, and cultural performers, setting the stage for the grand festival.

Mayor Garcia noted a significant increase in crowd size compared to last year’s opening salvo.

"Inig lakaw nimo from the church all the way here (CCSC), last year wala kaayo ka kitag tawo sa side nga nag-video, or nagtan-aw sa parade, but now lahi ra gyud kaayo, kay from the church all the way here, you can see people at the side," said Garcia.

This year, the influx of the crowd is entirely different. He said that they are expecting at least three million people during the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 19, 2025. He attributed the larger audience to the decision to return the Sinulog’s main events to the CCSC, a move well-received by the public.

Preparations for rain and vip attendance

Despite weather forecasts predicting rain during the Sinulog celebration, contingency plans are in place, and the mayor urged attendees to bring umbrellas and raincoats.

An invitation has been extended to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to attend the grand parade on January 19. Although his attendance remains uncertain, the Presidential Management Staff has inquired about the program details, indicating a possible appearance.

"I am inviting everyone, after four long years we are now back to our original venue... please feel free to come and enjoy our Fiesta Celebration... but when you come, please make sure that you are well-equipped with your rainwear," said Garcia.

Health and safety measures

The Department of Health in Central Visayas (DOH-VII) has heightened its alert status, setting up 42 medical stations and deploying health teams along the grand parade routes. Law enforcement agencies and disaster response teams are also mobilized to ensure public safety and manage traffic.

A total of 44 Health Emergency Response Teams (HERTs) with approximately 240 personnel from four DOH hospitals in Cebu, Cebu City Medical Center, 11 private hospitals, and 19 Emergency Medical Service (EMS) Providers and Volunteers will be stationed along the festival routes. The Regional Health Emergency Operations Center will also have around 25 personnel on duty.

Although well-prepared, the DOH Central Visayas reminds attendees of Sinulog to take precautions for their well-being during the event.

Devotees who are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms such as cough or colds are advised to stay home to avoid worsening their condition and spreading illness.

Participants, on the other hand, are encouraged to drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, wear light and comfortable clothing, and limit exposure to the sun to avoid heat-related illnesses.

“The celebration of the feast of the Senior Santo Niño is more than just a tradition—it’s a powerful expression of faith for millions of Sugbuanons,” said DOH-7 regional director Jaime Bernadas.

Sinulog sa kabataan

Meanwhile, close to 500 policemen will be deployed in this year’s Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan tomorrow, January 12,2025, at the Cebu City Sports Center.

Aside from policemen, there will also be a bunch or force multipliers and personnel from the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office, the Cebu City Transportation Office and other relevant offices to ensure everyone’s safety, said Cebu City Councilor Philip Zafra.

Hundreds of personnel will be deployed tomorrow as contingents will be dealing a longer route. Parade will start from Barangay Mabolo to CCSC via Imus road and heavy traffic is expected.

The public are advised to plan their trips ahead to avoid inconvenience.(CEBU NEWS)