Capitol Sinulog float to symbolize unity

CEBU, Philippines — The Capitol is eyeing to highlight “unity” for its Sinulog float for this year's Grand Parade, featuring the pre-colonial balangay to emphasize the Cebu provincial government’s theme of “Kalamboan sa Matag Sugbuanon.”

The float will be designed as a balangay or a boat used in transporting goods and will feature people dressed as pre-colonial characters such as rajas, the babaylan (Visayan term for a native religious leader), and timawa – those who have higher status than ulipon (Visayan term for slaves).

Governor Hilario Davide III is strongly pushing for the strengthening of barangays as he believes that officials in these units are those who are more aware of the needs of their constituents.

The float for this year’s annual Sinulog Grand Parade will be designed by the Cebu Provincial Tourism Office.

According to Provincial Tourism office head Boboi Costas, the barangay, the smallest government unit, perfectly stands for unity.

“It is the governing body that goes to the grassroots level thus, forming unity towards progress,” Costas stated.

The Capitol in the previous year celebrated the annual fiesta through showcasing Cebu flower pecker as its main feature along with other animal species that are endemic in Cebu. (FREEMAN)