Sinulog venue

After two long years, we are finally seeing the comeback of the Sinulog grand parade. However, days leading to the big event seem to be in a limbo after the Cebu Province and Cebu City did not come to terms on the venue. You see, it has always been a tradition to hold the festivities in the heart of the city such as the downtown area where the iconic Fuente Osmeña Circle is seen. This year, the decision-making has been tedious.

Weeks prior to the holding of Sinulog 2023, the city decided that it should be at the South Road Properties. This parcel of land that belongs to the city is relatively new, has little to no shade at all, and is near the sea. They tried to build an amphitheater that could seat up to 6,000. By hearing the idea, it does sound feasible. However, the weather and the time constraints are making it impossible to make it a reality.

On Thursday night, Governor Gwen Garcia also made public her statement about her stand on the new venue. To her, it is impossible to celebrate the feast of the Child Jesus there. Otherwise, a lot of dancers will suffer from too much exhaustion. In her earlier press conferences, she mentioned humidity as a possible factor for heat stroke among many other possible ills that may happen to those joining the festival.

I, too, cast doubt on this novel idea. Sure, we can celebrate in a new venue but why hasn't it been finished by now? If this was the true intention of the city, then the works should have been finished in the days prior to the event. The New Year's event and others could have served as a dry run to test the waters. There is no time to test now, we are nearing the day itself.

Garcia also made some sensible points on security. The walls of the Cebu City Sports Center are easier to secure, especially if a VIP intends to witness one of the country's most colorful festivals. It is located downtown with multiple access points for emergencies and no choke points to talk about.

But on top of the many reasons discussed, was the issue on consultation. If the city intends to keep the dynamics of leadership in "One Cebu Island" then Garcia's sentiment on prior consultation is valid. That is how we work to be united. We just don't follow one who gives orders without getting everyone's consent. That's basic organization for an organization to work.

Rama should learn from this, among many others that he is yet to discover. I know he is a veteran in the field, I may even know him too well in my years of covering him. He is a man of reason. Wherever the venue may be when this piece gets published, I wish both leaders the best moving forward. We put the power in the constituents as it always emanates from them. Listen, you'll see why.