Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia has called for increased security measures to ensure a peaceful Sinulog Festival, anticipating a significant increase in the number of devotees and participants. The festival, a major cultural event, is set to return to the Cebu City Sports Center this year after a two-year stint at the South Road Properties.
Garcia highlighted the expected surge in attendees, noting that hotels in Cebu are reporting occupancy rates between 80 to 100 percent. The Sinulog Foundation, Inc. has also registered 45 contingents for the competition, with each group consisting of 400 to 500 members including officials, trainers, and performers.
The mayor emphasized the challenge this presents not only to his administration but also to the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Cebu City, as they prepare to manage the large crowds expected from January 17 to Sinulog Sunday on January 19. Over 3,000 security personnel from various agencies, including the PNP, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine Coast Guard, and Bureau of Fire Protection, have been mobilized for the event.
In addition to security measures, Councilor Francis Espares announced that the city government is setting up a ‘Devotee City’ to manage the influx of out-of-town devotees. This year, pre-registration is required to prevent overcrowding. The facility, which will open on January 17, will utilize 30 container vans located near the Cebu Central Post Office along Pigafetta St., within the Plaza Independencia compound, and beside Fort San Pedro. The Metro Cebu Water District will provide free water at the site.