For efficient Sinulog parade: Governor Garcia suggests fewer stations, shorter street performances

CEBU, Philippines — As preparations for the Sinulog Grand Parade 2025 intensify, Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia has proposed streamlining the event to ensure smooth movement of contingents and an enhanced experience for both participants and spectators.

In a coordination meeting with stakeholders led by Gov. Garcia and Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, the governor suggested reducing the number of ritual showdown stations for street dancing from seven to three.

This adjustment, she explained, would allow contingents to proceed more efficiently to the Cebu City Sports Complex (CCSC), where the grand showdown will take place.

Gov. Garcia emphasized that fewer stations would significantly shorten the time it takes for contingents to cover the 1.8-kilometer street dancing route. She also proposed assigning two judges per station and a roving judge to ensure diverse perspectives without compromising efficiency.

“If you will have seven stations mohunong ni 7 times but if you will combine two judges sitting together… anyway lain-lain man na sila’g tinan-away, then you will have three stations, mas mubo, and then you can spread,” Garcia said.

The governor also recommended reducing the duration of each street dancing performance from 14 minutes to 6 minutes, which she noted would expedite the flow of contingents.

This reduction will greatly help manage the time. With a shorter performance and 1.8 kilometers to cover, there will be enough distance for the following contingents to form properly, she explained.

“We will reduce the ritual for street dancing from 14 minutes to 6 minutes, dako kay na nga tabang, mamubo-mubo, na sad ang entire… so makaya na nato, 1.8 kilometers distance, this way inig hunong sa first contingent at 1.8 (km), dako dako na deperensya nga maka porma na ang mosunod niya,” the governor said.

Gov. Garcia’s suggestions aim to balance tradition and practicality, ensuring the grandeur of the festival is maintained while optimizing its execution.

Enhanced security measures

Security along the 5.6-kilometer carousel route was another major focus of the meeting. The Police Regional Office-7 announced that 7,000 uniformed personnel and force multipliers would be deployed to ensure public safety. Additional measures include 32 units of 360-degree CCTV cameras installed along the carousel route, drones and motorcycle-riding police officers, and support from the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) with K9 units and augmentation from the Philippine Coast Guard.

This year’s Sinulog, set to return to its original venue at the CCSC, will feature over 40 contingents. Authorities estimate around three million spectators and revelers will gather for the festivities on January 19.

The collaboration between local government units, law enforcement, and private sector partners reflects a united effort to make Sinulog 2025 a resounding success.

Mayor Garcia thanked the governor for the province’s all-out support.

“Pasalamat kaayo ko sa tabang ni Gov. Gwen for Sinulog 2025, where it is back to where it belongs: the Cebu City Sports Center,” said the city mayor.

“We really need everybody’s help. We really need your help especially when it comes to the security, safety, peace and order of the City of Cebu,” he said.

Meanwhile, General Manager Edgar Donoso of Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) committed to providing 10 cold water stations to be set up along the parade route.

Donoso stated that they will also supply safe, potable water to approximately 19 schools that will serve as billeting quarters for the contingents. He added that there will be standby water trucks available in case of water interruptions.

Visayan Electric (VECO) President Raul Lucero also announced that they will cover the energy consumption at the Cebu City Sports Center for four days, from Friday to Monday. VECO will also provide additional power supply capacities to ensure there is enough energy to meet the demands of the event throughout Cebu City.

Telecommunications companies like Globe, Smart, PLDT, Converge, and DITO have also collaborated to ensure seamless communication during the event. They will install LED screens at the command centers and public viewing areas, such as Plaza Independencia, Fuente Osmeña Circle, and inside the Cebu City Sports Center.

On the other hand, PEPSI will provide tents, tables, chairs, and 8,000 bottles of water for the contingents and support teams of the Sinulog Foundation. San Miguel Foods will supply dressed chicken to the contingents for their meals, as well as provide free rice bowls to the working committees of the Sinulog Foundation and the security personnel.

In terms of transportation, Roble Shipping Lines has pledged to provide free transport for out-of-town contingents, ensuring that their props and dancers can travel to and from Cebu with ease. The Philippine Coast Guard will also provide vessels to transport participants from Camotes Island while Minibus Cebu Operators Association will deploy units for free within Cebu City. — (FREEMAN)