CEBU CITY (Jan. 22, 2024) – Despite the controversies and intrigues, Sinulog sa Sugbo Philippines 2024 came to pass with overwhelming success and wonderful memories to many.
Mayor Mike Rama attributed it to his and the Cebuanos’ deep faith in and love for the Holy Child Jesus, patron of Cebu City.
“We were all moved by faith and our love for Señor Santo Niño,” he told Cebu City News shortly after he woke up after a good rest and started his usual daily routine as mayor in his home office today.
Driven by the same faith and love, it was also “a miracle of courage,” he added.
He referred to his steadfastness to organize the grand parade and ritual showdown at the City di Mare civic center in South Road Properties (SRP), site of the city’s joint venture with Filinvest, the event’s platinum sponsor.
Rama credited the same persistence to all who got involved in organizing, not only on D-Day on Sunday, Jan. 21, but also in the parallel nightly activities in the city until over the weekend.
These include the events the Cebu City Youth Development Commission organized at Fuente Osmeña, and that the City College Scholarship program with Sugbo Bike Lanes Board arranged at Plaza Independencia.
“You’d be very overwhelmed by the crowd enjoying at Plaza Independencia,” SBLB executive director Bernard Maraasin told Cebu City News, as he sowed videos and photographs to prove is claim.
As Rama stood pat to keep the Walks with Jesus and Mary and the procession along Osmeña Blvd. despite construction works for the bus rapid transit (BRT), he extended his gratitude to those who made the route safe.
“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Mayor Rama said in his message as the grand Sunday event ended with the announcement of winners, addressing it to individuals and organization who contributed.
He cited the Sinulog Foundation, Inc. (SFI), law enforcement agencies, contingents, working staff, and the public, emphasizing that the Sinulog celebration would not have been possible without the collective effort.
As gesture of appreciation to those who worked tirelessly for the event, the mayor said they will receive one sack of rice, as he assured that he would find ways to make it possible.
“Those who have been working very hard, cleaning, making Cebu from the time we started last Thursday until this morning, never stop working, making Cebu City clean, we will be giving them one sack of rice,” he said.
When Mayor Rama spoke during the formal awarding of winners at the same SRP venue this afternoon, he acknowledged “we cannot please everybody.”
But he said he is happy with how things went. “If we embrace Señor Sto. Niño, no matter how big the challenges are, who can be against God?” he pointed out.
Rama said everyone involved should be able to stand with their heads up.
During the flag ceremony this morning, Vice Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia thanked all those who dedicated time, effort, and hard work to ensure the success of the activities.
He recognized Mayor Rama for leading the preparation, staging, and hosting of the Sinulog events.
He also cited SFI and the Department of Public Services, the traffic enforcers and the city’s the Public Information Office.
Meanwhile, Harold Alcontin, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, expressed gratitude to the “often unsung heroes” of the series of events “who served in the sidelines.”
He referred to the emergency responders, quick response teams, the standby doctors and nurses, and allied organizations who were on standby and in red alert status.
Alcontin underscored the value of holding Sinulog at SRP in case of emergency, pointing out that the area is not constricted, but open for emergency responders and vehicles to move, and for the people to spread in any exigency.
In a related development, the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), through P/Lt.Col. Janette Rafter, also thanked the police in the field and the force multipliers who collaborated to ensure a peaceful celebration.
CCPO reported that no crimes recorded along the Sinulog routes and procession routes from the commencement of Sinulog activities on Jan. 10 with Walk with Jesus until the end of the celebration.
It estimated the crowd on Sunday at SRP at three million. | PPRMN/cte
Cebu City • News & Information 