Cebu City — Acting Mayor Raymond Garcia has directed Sinulog Festival organizers to revert to the traditional venue at the Cebu City Sports Center for the forthcoming celebration in honor of Sr. Sto. Niño, signaling a shift away from the South Road Properties which hosted the event for the past two years.
According to Philippines News Agency, the decision follows criticisms from local government units regarding safety and the well-being of participants at the South Road Properties. Complaints about severe traffic congestion along the South National Highway further fueled the call for a return to the original venue. Garcia emphasized the importance of timely preparations, urging organizers not to delay procurement and approval processes necessary for the annual event. He highlighted that early planning at the Cebu City Sports Center could address these concerns effectively.
Suspended Mayor Michael Rama, set to resume his duties after December, retains the option to select the South Road Properties for future festivals. “It is his prerogative. Hopefully he will see that he can do a lot of preparations at the CCSC, probably he would approve to just hold the Sinulog at CSCC,” Garcia commented, indicating a potential continuation of the venue debate depending on future administrative decisions.