Nestor Archival backs CCSC as permanent Sinulog venue

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City Mayor-elect Nestor Archival has announced that the Sinulog Festival will continue to be held at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) under his administration.

This decision follows the festival’s brief relocation to the South Road Properties (SRP) during the two-year term of former Mayor Michael Rama, before being brought back to the CCSC by outgoing Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia.

For Archival, who will formally take office in July, the CCSC remains the rightful venue for Sinulog, emphasizing that the festival should stay in the place where its concept was born. He said the decision is a result of his personal assessment and a collective plan made with party councilors during the campaign period.

According to Archival, it is no longer practical to bring the celebration back to SRP, pointing to accessibility issues at the site.

“Kay going to the SRP, di man gud ing-ana ka daghan og sakyanan,” said Archival.

He added that since Sinulog is a celebration of devotion to the Santo Niño, it should remain close to the center of worship—the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.

When asked how he plans to improve the festival, Archival said there is no concrete plan yet, as he has not been part of the Sinulog organizing committee.

He emphasized that the Sinulog Foundation will take the lead in crafting plans for the celebration, noting that the decision-making process will be collaborative. He added that he and Vice Mayor-elect Tomas Osmeña have agreed to lead the city government together through consultation and cooperation.

On concerns that the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project may affect the festival route, Archival said it will not interfere with the celebration, as the project is not expected to be completed within the next five years.

However, he said they will still push for its completion within three years, while being cautious not to make premature commitments.

“But kung Sinulog atong istoryahan, di pa man na maka hamper because layo pa man to ang paghuman, we will act on the things that are actually in the present,” said Archival.

On the issue of unpaid contestants from Sinulog 2025 events, Archival said his administration will investigate transactions carried out by the Sinulog Foundation, particularly those related to contracts. He said that if these unpaid obligations are covered by legitimate contracts, the city will ensure they are paid.

To prevent similar problems in the future, Archival said they plan to establish a 24-hour complaint center that will immediately respond to concerns from stakeholders.

Regarding former Mayor Michael Rama’s role as chairperson of the Sinulog Foundation Inc., Archival said he has no objection to recognizing Rama’s position, as long as the term of office allows it.

“But if ang term niya will go on pila ka years, then I am going to honor it, wala may problema ana. Kay as I understand, maayo man na sya sa Sinulog actually,” said Archival.

Meanwhile, Cebu Governor-elect Pamela Baricuatro said the Capitol is willing to continue its annual assistance to the Sinulog Festival—provided that resources permit.

“But that’s it, no show,” said Baricuatro. — (FREEMAN)