CEBU, Philippines — The Sinulog 2024 officially opened Friday, January 12, with church officials calling for unity among the public and the political leaders of Cebu.
The Sinulog sa Sugbo Philippines 2024 launching activity started with a mass at the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño, followed by the kickoff parade from the Basilica to the Cebu City Sports Center.
At least 17 colleges and universities have sent their dance troupes for the launching parade.
Msgr. Roberto Alesna, the main celebrant of the concelebrated mass that preceded the formal declaration of the opening of Sinulog 2024 Festival, reiterated Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma’s call for unity.
Quoting the archbishop, Alesna said, “Sinulog is a grace from God… it should be celebrated with a happy heart.”
He emphasized the importance for the public, especially political leaders, to celebrate Sinulog with their hearts free from hatred and anger and to journey together for the success of the annual celebration.
Alesna also quoted Mayor Michael Rama’s declaration amid the seeming disagreement between the city and the province on the venue of the grand showdown where he said that “the Sinulog is not about us, is not about me, is not about the other mayors in the province, is not even about the governor, but the Sinulog is all about the Señor Santo Niño.”
According to Alesna, this is the challenge for everyone, especially the political leaders of Cebu.
The absence of Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia and the provincial officials during the launching activity, however, was too glaring not to be noticed. The governor was supposed to attend the opening salvo of Sinulog 2024 yesterday but had her hands full with different commitments at the Capitol.
Among the activities the governor attended to at the Capitol yesterday afternoon were the oath-taking of the newly elected officials of the Liga ng mga Barangay- Cebu Province chapter.
Garcia also had a meeting with the former awardees of the Filipina Women's Network. Later in the afternoon, the governor presided over the first coordination meeting of Suroy-Suroy Sugbo 2024 Northern Escapade later this month where she was joined by some mayors and other local officials.
On the other hand, Rama led the city officials in the opening salvo from the mass at the Basilica until the parade. He was joined by Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia and Councilors Jocelyn Pesquera, Pastor Alcover, Rhea Jacosalem, Francis Esparis, Donaldo Hontiveros, and Noel Wenceslao.
In an interview with the media, Rama was thankful for the success of the Novena mass. According to him, it is a “continuing miracle” to be able to hold the parade with a drizzle instead of a scorching heat.
“First thank you, kay nahuman gyud ang misa, and you could have just imagine if it is scorching at 2:30 under the sun, you could have just imagined pila ka tawo ang nakuyapan, karon walking raka….enjoying the rain while dancing,” said Rama. — (FREEMAN)