Mayor Nestor Archival explained why Cebu City will push through with the Sinulog Festival this weekend, even as search and rescue operations continue at the collapsed Binaliw landfill.
In an interview, Archival said the city is trying to balance grief over the disaster with the faith and unity that Sinulog represents.
“Ang akoa lang naay nahitabo sa Sinulog nga kalipay ug pag-ampo nato sa Senor, unya naay nahitabo sa Binaliw, which is sadness. Akong paninguha ug atoa ning paninguhaon nga ang syudad sa Sugbo kita nag-unite,” he said.
The mayor called for prayers for victims, their families, and the city, saying the goal is for Cebu to remain “sustainable, smart, and inclusive” despite the calamity.
Search and rescue operations at the Binaliw landfill continue amid heavy rain, unstable terrain, and toxic fumes. Councilor Dave Tumulak, chair of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said teams remain fully deployed.
The Cebu City Council declared January 16 a day of mourning and requested a mass at the Binaliw gymnasium for victims and families.
As of Saturday morning, Tumulak confirmed the death toll had reached 32. Meanwhile, preparations for the Sinulog Festival Grand Parade on Sunday, January 18, are reportedly 95 percent complete.
Archival expressed hope for favorable weather and advised the public to take precautions.
“Ganinang buntag kuyawan gyud mi because nagsige man og ulan, but nakita nato sa weather ug ang pagsalig nato sa Senor nga that maayo weather and that we will be 100 percent prepared,” he said, reminding spectators to bring umbrellas and water.
Weather officials said rain from Tropical Depression Ada is expected to end Friday evening, allowing both the fluvial procession on Saturday and the parade on Sunday to proceed as scheduled.
No Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal is expected over Central Cebu, though a high heat index is forecast Sunday. Residents are advised to bring water and protective gear.
