SFI taps CH offices for Sinulog 2019

CEBU, Philippines —  To ensure a peaceful and orderly celebration, the Sinulog Festival Inc. (SFI) has tapped five offices of the Cebu City government to help in the preparations for next year’s Sinulog.

The offices include the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP), Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO), Department of Pubic Services (DPS), and Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, and Enhancement (PROBE) team.

City Councilor David Tumulak, who also sits as SFI Executive Committee chairman, said each office has a specific role and function.

DWUP is in charge with the sidewalk vendors, CCTO is tasked to man and ease traffic, CCDRRMO is for safety and disaster preparedness, DPS is for cleanliness, and PROBE is assigned to ensure streets are free from illegal obstructions.

DPS will deploy street cleaners for the processions and Sinulog Grand Finale.

“We noticed in past years, manglimpyo sila inig human na, so karon magsunod sila para gamay na limpyohonon after sa event,” Tumulak said.

DPS officer-in-charge John Paul Gelasque said his office has also tapped barangay loaders to help in the cleanup.

“Ugma (today) nako mag-finalize sa figure kay ako man pud gi-tap ang mga barangay loaders to help in the clean-up operations,” he said.

DPS has around 200 street cleaners.

In a separate development, SFI has started building the grand finale stage at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), where contingents will perform.

The construction began on December 24. It is set to be completed on Friday yet.

Moreover, Tumulak said they are now finalizing the production for the Sinulog festival.

On January 10, Sinulog contingents, puppeteers, and other participants will be convened for a final meeting.

The Sinulog festival is one of the country’s grandest festivals. It is held every third Sunday of January in Cebu City to honor the blessed child. — KBQ (FREEMAN)