City government prepping for Sinulog

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu City government is pressing ahead with preparations for Sinulog 2027, though officials acknowledge that the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) has yet to submit its proposed budget.

Mayor Nestor Archival’s Chief of Staff Kenneth Siasar in a press briefer disclosed that during a meeting with department heads, the city administrator asked for updates from the foundation.

“Sa pagkakaron wala koy ma-update in terms sa Sinulog Foundation kung nag-meeting sila. Gani, atong gihangyo sila nga atong i-submit their budget for next year’s Sinulog tungod kay naa na man ta sa last final --final preparation sa atong budget before nato i-submit sa City Council ang budget sa city,” Siasar explained.

He added that the city treasurer has only “copy-pasted” last Sinulog’s figures while waiting for SFI’s formal proposal.

Under Mayor Archival’s administration for Sinulog 2026, the City has set aside ?78 million, after the city trimmed down the originally-proposed ?100 million to redirect ?22 million toward Typhoon Tino rehabilitation efforts.

That budget covered subsidies, prizes, and operational costs, stressing the city’s commitment to sustaining the festival even while balancing disaster recovery needs.

The Sinulog Festival, celebrated every January, is Cebu City’s grandest cultural and religious event in honor of the Señor Santo Niño. It is renowned for its grand parade, ritual showdown, and street dancing that combine tradition with contemporary choreography.

Organized by SFI in partnership with the Cebu City Government, the festival has long been a major tourism draw, attracting thousands of visitors and contingents nationwide.

As part of preparations for Sinulog 2027, SFI and the Cultural Center of the Philippines are organizing the Sinulog Choreographer’s Workshop: Traditions & Transformation, Second Edition, on October 17-18, 2026 at the Cebu City Sports Center.

The workshop aims to deepen appreciation for Sinulog heritage while encouraging creative innovation in choreography.

Registration costs ?1,000 per participant, inclusive of a kit, shirt, meals, and snacks. This is mandatory for choreographers joining next year’s Sinulog.

Organizers stressed the importance of preserving the cultural roots of Sinulog while allowing room for transformation and fresh artistic expressions. — (FREEMAN)