‘Testament of unity’

CEBU, Philippines — With Cebu City participating as guest contingent, Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia last night lauded the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024, which was held again at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), as a proof of unity in Cebu.

This was reechoed no less by Gov. Gwen Garcia, who greeted all Cebuanos, including those in Cebu City.

“Sugboanon sa probinsya, Sugbuanon sa Siyudad, Sugboanon kitang tanan,” she said, as she praised “this great, united, indivisible, one Cebu island”.

“A Cebu united adunay kusug. In unity we are strong—very strong. And with that strength, we can achieve everything that we set our hearts and minds to do for the betterment of our people,” Acting Mayor Garcia said.

“The Pasigarbo sa Sugbo itself is a testament to this unity,” he added, as he cited the participation of the Cebu towns and cities as well as Cebu City as a guest contingent as proof of thisw.

He mentioned that Cebu City hosted the Pasigarbo in 2019 and in 2022. Then the Covid-19 pandemic struck, so the Pasigarbo as not held in 2020 and in 2021.  In 2023, it was held in Carcar City.

“Now, in 2024, it is back to where it belongs - the city of Cebu. And so, it is my distinct honor to welcome all of you to Cebu City for the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024. We are truly privileged to once again be your hosts,” Acting Mayor Garcia said.

He said unity in Cebu was shown during the Palarong Pambansa 2024 last July, because Cebu Province and the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue assisted Cebu City as host.

“It was then a challenge, just as tonight’s Pasigarbo is also a challenge. But. together as one, united people of Cebu, we have time and again demonstrated to the rest of the world how Cebu is able to rise up from whatever challenges that come our way. And today is no different,” Acting Mayor Garcia said.

“So, once again, on behalf of the city of Cebu, I welcome you to the biggest, grandest, liveliest, festival of festivals – the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024. And I hope to see all of you again for Sinulog 2025 right here at the Cebu City Sports Center!” he added.

Excluding Cebu City as guest contingent, 51 contingents from the different cities and municipalities of Cebu competed for the top prize of the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024 Grand Ritual Showdown and the Festival Queen. Each participating contingent showcased their respective festivals during the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo.

They started with the street-dancing competition that started from the Capitol to the CCSC, showcasing their respective festivals with creatively-made costumes and props that were meant not just to attract but to represent well the festival of their respective places.

Department of Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco, who was among last night’s guests at the CCSC, also lauded Pasigarbo for being an instrument in protecting and promoting culture.

“Kitang mga Sugbuanon padayon sa atong pananghiusa,” she also said.

Other guests at the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo 2024 includes Senator Manny Pacquiao; Senator Francis Tolentino; Deputy House Speaker Camille Villar; Deputy House Speaker Duke Frasco, the governor’s son-in-law; movie actor and Leyte 4th district Representative Richard Gomez and his wife.

 Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres-Gomez; Mayor Jason John Joyce of the Municipality of Jose Abad Santos, Davao Occidental; and Senator Raffy Tulfo’s daughter Maricel Tulfo-Tungol.

Majority of the Cebu mayors and vice mayors, as well as Cebu provincial board members and representatives, were also present.

A 20-man delegation from Moscow, Russia was also in attendance.

The show started with Cebu City as the first to perform immediately after Acting Mayor Garcia’s speech.

Hours earlier, however, Dumanjug town lost its participating Bisnok Festival float after it caught fire and was destroyed the South Road Properties yesterday morning while it was on its way to Osmen~a Blvd. for the Pasigarbo parade.

“I know this is an incredibly difficult setback, especially considering the countless hours you invested to make this happen…. Your hard work and dedication have been truly remarkable, and I am so grateful for everything you’ve done,” said Mayor Gungun Gica, in an official statement posted on Facebook.

“Please remember, this accident does not reflect your abilities or the commitment you’ve shown. The most important thing is that everyone is safe. We will face this challenge together and find a way to move forward as a team. Thank you for your resilience, your hard work, and your unwavering dedication. Let’s continue to support each other through this tough time,” he added.

Upon learning of the incident, Acting Mayor Garcia promptly offered help by arranging for a mini-dump truck to be lent to Dumanjug. He also sent electricians at the disposal of the contingent to assist it in any way they can.

“Dili lalim nga ang inyong gihagoan og taman maingon ato lang,” he said.

A makeshift float was quickly assembled and the Dumanjug contingent continued with its performance, as planned.

Last night, as the contingents began their performances, Gov. Garcia momentarily stopped that of the Toledo City contingent, after the propsmen and dancers were not able to come on the stage within the 60-second ingress set.

The governor said that necessary points deduction shall be made because of the violation. Toledo’s Hinulawan Festival, though, was then allowed to proceed with its performance.

As of press time last night, the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo was still ongoing, with the last contingent expected to be done performing only around 12:20 a.m. today.

One notable change in last night’s Pasigarbo was that it was the first time that carrozas with the image of each of the town’s patron saints were allowed to join the Pasigarbo.

As to the Dumanjug float that fire destroyed, it was on an Isuzu Forward truck owned by QM Builders.

Senior Fire Officer 2 Wendell Villanueva of the Cebu City Fire Station said they received the fire alarm at 10:12 am and they declared a fire out at 10:36 am.

Initial investigation showed that the truck was traveling for the CCSC when the driver and his assistant felt heat emanating from the back. When they checked, they discovered that the truck was already on fire.

Fire investigators believed the truck’s exhaust pipe might have gotten blocked up during the trip, causing the pipe to heat up and start the fire, especially that the float was made of materials that can easily catch fire.

“Possible sa taas sa travel unya init pud ganihang buntag mao to pag-abot  diri sa siyudad na nisilaob siya sa kainit,” said Villanueva.

The fire department pegged the damage at P600,000.

Villanueva advised all float builders to carefully supervise their floats during construction to avoid a similar incident from happening.

“Imo gyud na i-consider ang tambutso. Kung asa ang buga ana, siyempre init man na ang buga ana. Dapat di nimo babagan or unsa ana nga dali siya moinit pud nga possible nga masunog,” he said. (CEBU NEWS)