Cebu City vice mayor Mike Rama wants the Sinulog 2021 celebration to push through this year amid the continuous threats of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Rama, who leads Sinulog 2021 preparation this year, insists this even if the regional inter-agency task force against COVID-19 reportedly urged the cancelation of the festivities altogether, even as most of them would be done online.
Rama told GMA News Online that 80% of the feast’s activities would be online while the rest would be conducted in what he called a “bubble” at South Road Properties in Cebu City.
The vice mayor added that they will not allow an audience in the bubble. They will also reduce the number of participants to ensure social distancing.
Rama said other health and safety protocols to prevent the spread of COVID-19 would also be observed during the Sinulog.
“This is not a Sinulog at the heart of Cebu City, this is only a Sinulog with a number of activities but you don’t get to worry about transmission,” he added.
He noted the importance of holding the Sinulog 2021 as this marks the 500th year of Christianity in the country.
Rama added Sinulog celebration is Cebuanos’ way of showing their devotion to Señor Sto. Niño.
Cebu City vice mayor pushes for holding Sinulog 2021
“Despite the challenges of COVID, we have to have a Sinulog because Sinulog has been our devotion to Señor Sto. Niño. Sinulog is our identity, Sinulog is the foundation of Christianity, and the cradle of Christianity is in Cebu City,” he said.
He said the festivities organizers would present their plans to the RIATF. They began preparing as early as September last year, Rama said.
“Tulungan na lang nila, including yung emergency operation center, kagaya ng ginawa nila sa Misa De Gallo,” Rama said.
“Ito namang pinakaimportante is only one day, Sunday lang ng January 17, the rest is virtual,” he added.
The Sinulog-Santo Niño Festival is an annual cultural and religious festival held on the third Sunday of January in Cebu City, and on the fourth Sunday of January in Carmen, Cebu, and is the center of the Santo Niño Catholic celebrations in the Philippines.