Sinulog 2026 preparations have now reached 60 percent completion as Cebu City accelerates work on staging a safer, shorter, and more devotee-centered festival next month.
In an update on Tuesday, December 9, Councilor Dave Tumulak, a member of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) executive committee, said groundwork is underway simultaneously across barangays, municipal contingents, and major festival sites.
He emphasized that preparations this year are more synchronized to ensure the city avoids the bottlenecks, delays, and crowd issues experienced in previous editions.
“As of now based on percentage preparation naa nata sa 60%,” Tumulak said.
“Means the contingent nag ready na sila sa individual barangays, municipalities nag ready na sila sa ilang presentation. Ang stage is ready na pod, gamay nalang ang kulang — ang ila nalang landing mao nalang kulang. Ang backup power sulod sa CCSC is in place. Gamay nalang gyud,” he added.
He noted that while site readiness and contingent preparation are progressing smoothly, the remaining major task is fundraising.
This year’s budget has been tightened after organizers redirected part of the festival allocation to communities affected by Typhoon Tino.
“Marketing nalang gyud because we have to raise funds because the Cebu City Government ang gihatag nalang sa SFI is P90 million but we reduced it to P78 million para katong na-slash nato matabang nato sa mga victims of calamity,” he said.
The budget cut has prompted SFI to seek more sponsors to cover essential operational expenses, especially those required during the Sinulog Grand Parade. Tumulak said he has already met with the marketing team and instructed them to gather additional support.
“Nakita nato nga ang expenses dako kaayo so naghimo lang ta contingency plans nga unsaon ma-reduce nga dili ma-affected ang whole presentation especially during the D-Day,” he said.
A positive development, he added, is the steady rise in private individuals and companies stepping forward to assist the foundation with logistical and financial support.
“Mas nindot daw karon kay nitabang ang mga private individuals,” he shared.
Organizers expect this expanded private-sector involvement to reduce budget pressures and strengthen the overall execution of Cebu’s biggest cultural and religious event.
Tumulak also called on the public to strictly observe safety protocols, especially with organizers putting in additional crowd-control measures this year.
One of these is the installation of more mobile bleachers along the Sinulog route. These structures are intended to serve as quick shelters for seniors, children, and other vulnerable spectators in case of emergencies.
“Akong hangyo sa public mutuman ta sa lagda. Naa tay ipamutang nga mobile bleachers along Sinulog route — mas daghan ni karon kay in case dunay calamities mahitabo, at least atong vulnerable sector adto nato ipabutang,” he said.
He stressed that all parties and gatherings must take place outside the official route to keep pathways clear for contingents and emergency responders.
“This year, the same Sinulog route lang ta,” he added.
To support participants, the Cebu City Government will also provide subsidies to both local and out-of-town contingents.
“In terms of subsidy, the Cebu City Government will give P1 million to Cebu City-based contingents. Out-of-town, including the province, is P1.5 million. Mahatag siya hopefully this month,” Tumulak said.
Mayor Nestor Archival earlier directed that the Sinulog Grand Parade must finish by early evening, with fireworks scheduled between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. to avoid crowd congestion and prevent performances from stretching late into the night.
“It’s about time that we set a time limit,” Archival said. “Spectators will go home if the program is too long.” (LLP)
