‘Not be about us, politicians’ – Rama
By Caecent No-ot Magsumbol
Reprint from The Freeman with edition
CEBU CITY (Jan. 7, 2024) — Sinulog should be about Sr. Sto. Niño.
Mayor Mike Rama emphasized that Sinulog is not his, nor of the other mayors and the governor.
As he spoke during the launch of the nationwide Kalinisan program Saturday, he stressed his care for heritage and all the more on matters about the Sinulog.
“I will stand for my faith of Sr. Sto. Niño,” said Rama.
“Sinulog is Sr. Sto. Niño, not me, not the mayors’ all over, not the governor’s,” he pointed out.
“Sinulog is Sr. Sto.Niño. Ampo, ampo. Tabang, tabang, way kondisyon,” he added.
In the past weeks, Rama has stood firm on his decision to stage the Sinulog grand parade at the South Road Properties (SRP), amid requests of Gov. Gwen Garcia with some mayors to have the Sinulog at the Cebu City Sport Center (CCSC).
Garcia initially mentioned that the Capitol will donate P20 million if the Sinulog is held at the CCSC, and offered a P3 million grand prize to the winner of the Sinulog sa Lalawigan.
However, Rama said this is still up for approval with the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) as it would mean the prize for the grand showdown will be smaller.
Earlier during his Ingna’ng Mayor program over the city’s Sugboanon Channel, the Mayor said all matters about the Sinulog festivities are under the SFI.
Further, he looks forward to the successful staging of the Sinulog sa Kabataan for both Lalawigan and Dakbayan.
“I am prayerfully into that this whole thing, let’s finish the Lalawigan and Sto.Nino will just be there. And if He shows His being pleased, He will make miracle. That is Sto.Nino, you claim it!,” he said.
“Kay kung taphaw ra ka kaayo, sus maryosep, ayaw na lang patuga-tuga uy. Apil-apil ka’g Sinulog, unya wa kay Ginoo, unsa man na? Gabaan ka ana, unya mang hinambog kag naa kay Ginoo unya ang imong action kuwang sa pagka-faithful nimo. You are practically fooling yourself!” he added.
I will stand for my faith of Sr. Sto. Niño. Sinulog is Sr. Sto. Niño, not me, not the mayors’ all over, not the governor’s. Sinulog is Sr. Sto.Niño. Ampo, ampo. Tabang, tabang, way kondisyon.
Mayor Mike Rama
Rama said he is not worried about the possibility of having only a few participants during the grand parade, saying he has his family, his personnel, and even the 80 barangays and the SKs who can dance with him during the Sinulog proper at the South Road Properties.
Earlier, Garcia clarified news reports saying she has banned winners of the Sinulog sa Lalawigan to participate in the Sinulog Grand Showdown.
In a report from the Cebu Provincial Government’s official news network, Garcia pointed out that the Capitol is in solidarity and unity with Cebu City Hall in ensuring the success of the Sinulog.
| The Freeman/CNM
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