Venue away from Sinulog route: Cebu Business Park music fest gets nod

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government has approved the special permit application for a music festival at the Cebu Business Park tomorrow, as the venue is beyond the 300-meter radius of the Sinulog grand parade route.

It is one of three events that City Hall is allowing this Sunday.

Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office head Nagiel Bañacia said the Plus63 music festival was given the green light after the organizer submitted its  disaster management plan for the event, which is required so they can link with the city's emergency resources.

Among others, the plan must stipulate all the organizer's security measures, including their emergency equipment.

"We will know unsay naa nila diha while they are holding the event. As (part of the) disaster team, mahibawo mi unsay primero ipadala if an incident will occur, and above all, we know naay friendly forces ngadto, i-link gyud nato sa gobiyerno," he told reporters yesterday.

Aside from the disaster management plan, the organizer was also asked to choose a venue that is appropriate for their event, one which does not cause traffic congestion.

"Atong gi-require nila, they identify the risk and threats sa ilahang activity, then pag-identify unsay imong control measures. Number one, eradicate, macontrol nimo kini nga risk…, strategies to control bombing, who is responsible, kinsa ang emergency responders," Bañacia said.

He said that aside from the music festival, "Sinulog Invasion" at the South Road Properties, and Paintensity in The Greenery were also given approval by the mayor.

The application for permit to hold a boxing event at Mango Square along Gen. Maxilom Avenue, however, was denied, while Hyper Wonderland, which would be held along Escario Street, did not seek any approval from the city.

Bañacia earlier said the city would cancel the business permit of those who would defy the order not to hold parties along the Sinulog route or within a 300-meter radius.

On the other hand, at least nine mobile detention cells are now ready for use against drunks and unruly Sinulog revelers during the grand parade.

The Bureau of Jail and Management and Penology and Cebu City Police Office are helping the city with the mobile detention cells to maintain peace and order.

The Sinulog parade will start from Imus Road, to General Maxilom Avenue, to Fuente Osmeña, to Osmeña Boulevard and to Cebu City Sports Center for the ritual presentation. (FREEMAN)