‘Grand yet sustainable’ Sinulog 2027 pushed

CEBU, Philippines — With only a few months left before the Sinulog Grand Parade 2027, Cebu CIty Mayor Nestor Archival is directing preparations toward a festival he believes must balance “grandeur and sustainability”.

Archival confirmed that the Sinulog Foundation Inc. has already convened its executive committee and advisory board to address marketing and funding, both of which have become more pressing as operating costs continue to rise.

The mayor has ruled out any change of venue, affirming that the grand parade will remain at the Cebu City Sports Center.

The parade route will largely follow last year’s pattern, though extensions toward Cebu City Medical Center and Asian College of Technology are considered to ease congestion and provide buffer zones.

Executive Director Elmer “Jojo” Labella reinforced the mayor’s directive, noting that marketing is the most critical challenge this year.

He explained that prizes and subsidies for contingents will remain unchanged since these are funded by the city government.

Registration opens this October, with the deadline set for November 30 or December 1.

Contingents that joined the recent Halad sa Pagtuo, a festival initiated by Cebu Provincial Capitol, will automatically qualify, while negotiations continue with out-of-town groups.

Korean contingent and Filipino communities abroad have also expressed interest in joining, though feasibility will depend on funding for travel and accommodation.

Archival has promised a “grander” Sinulog, pointing to the expected increase in contingents and expanded resources, including a possible rise in police deployment from 3,000 to 4,000 personnel.

Yet he acknowledged that the fireworks display, once a hallmark of the festival, is still being discussed.

Environmental concerns and sustainability issues have prompted discussions on alternatives such as drone shows, though costs remain a stumbling block.

Both Archival and Labella emphasized that crowd control, traffic management, and strict enforcement of rules for contingents and photographers remain top priorities.

An “On-The-Spot Painting” competition at Fort San Pedro on Sinulog Day, organized in partnership with the Cultural and Historical Affairs Office, is also being mapped out.

The Sinulog Grand Parade is scheduled for January 17, 2027.

Under the theme “One Beat. One Dance. One Vision,” Mayor Archival said the celebration will highlight Cebuano heritage while aligning with the city’s long-term goal of becoming smart, sustainable, and inclusive. — Preciosa Bacalso/IHM (FREEMAN)