Cebu City releases P38 million subsidy for Sinulog contingents

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City has released a financial subsidy amounting to P38 million for the contingents participating in the annual Sinulog Festival 2025.

Mayor Raymond Garcia ensured the early release of the funds to alleviate the stress often caused by last-minute disbursements in previous years. The City Public Information Office (PIO) reported that Cebu City-based contingents will be receiving P500,000 each while out-of-town groups are getting P1.5 million each.

This year’s local participants include the defending champion, Banauan Cultural Group of Barangay Guadalupe; Kamagayan’s Landonian Tribe; Asian College of Technology International Education Foundation; Akivong Binaliwhanon; Banay San Nicolasnon; Abellana National School; Kalunasan Cultural Dance Troupe; Barrio Basak Pardo; Zapatera; Inayawan Talents Guild; Maapong Baniladnon; Hugpong Day-asanon; Tribu Mabolokon; University of the Philippines-Cebu’s Hugpong ng mga Mananayaw ng Bayan; Lumad Basakanon; Hugpong Masidlakan of Siomao Festival; Banay Labangon; and Kasambagan.

From the Cebu Province, the contingents include Talisay City; Malipayong Alegrianhon; Tribu Masadyaan-Toledo; Lapu-Lapu City; Tribu Malipayong Consolacion; Pundok sa Magkahiusang Liloanon; One Enchanting Camotes; Sinulog sa Carmen; Carcar City; and Danao City, which is making its Sinulog debut this year.

Out-of-town performers include Kidapawan Performing Arts’ Guild; Antipolo Maytime Festival Bukluran Dance Troupe; Bais City Festival of Harvest; Sarangani’s James Chiongbian National Trade School Performing Arts Guild; Dinagat Island’s Tribu Kamanting; Dipolog’s Baile Filipinas; Davao Occidental’s Kabilin Mindanao; Zamboanga Hermosa Festival; Albay’s Tabaco College; Siargao’s Bakhaw Performing Arts Guild; and Dumaguete’s Sandurot Festival.

Lapu-Lapu City Tourism Officer Gary Lao expressed gratitude for the timely release of the subsidy, stating it allows contingents enough time to prepare props and seek additional funding if needed.

“We are very happy for the early release of the city's financial subsidy, considering the time and days remaining before the completion of our props and needed things for the January 19 showdown,” Lao said.

In addition to the competing contingents, this year’s Sinulog will feature guest performances from the Masskara Festival and representatives from both Cebu City and Cebu Provincial governments.

Mayor Garcia highlighted the significant increase in participants this year, attributing the turnout to the festival’s return to the Cebu City Sports Center, its traditional venue and long-time home.

The Sinulog Grand Showdown is set for January 19, promising a vibrant and competitive celebration of what is touted to be the “Mother of All Festivals.”— /FPL (FREEMAN)