Mayor April Aguilar clarified that the group from Las Piñas who joined the Sinulog Festival in Cebu were private individuals coordinated through a private contractor, and denied any city involvement in reported financial subsidies for their participation.
In a statement, Aguilar said she had no knowledge of claims that the group received a P1.5 million subsidy, allegedly from the Sinulog Foundation.
“The said funds did not pass through the Las Piñas City Government,” the statement read.
The city emphasized that the contingent was not an official city delegation and that no public funds were released for the activity.
The clarification followed viral social media posts reporting that members of the group were stranded in Cebu after running out of money.
Upon learning of their situation, Aguilar personally used her own funds to cover the return expenses of 111 individuals, including airfare and other immediate needs.
The mayor’s office said airline tickets have already been processed, and the participants are set to return to Las Piñas as soon as possible.
While awaiting departure, the group is receiving meals and basic care to ensure their safety and well-being.
The repatriation effort is coordinated with Barangay Pilar, led by Barangay Captain Ronillo Fuentes, and city offices including the City Tourism and Cultural Office, which is assisting with ticket processing and airline arrangements.
The city stressed that Aguilar’s intervention was an act of compassion, not obligation.
“The City Government of Las Piñas remains committed to truth, transparency, and responsible governance,” the statement read, urging the public to verify information before sharing to avoid confusion or unnecessary tension.
Official city delegations, funding, and activities, the statement added, undergo proper procedures, coordination, and formal authorization, distinguishing them from privately organized initiatives.
Earlier, netizens appealed online for help, saying the group had exhausted funds for transportation and daily meals after participating in the Sinulog Festival.
The appeal called for donations to ensure the youth could safely return home. (LLP)
Mai Mai/ Facebook
