Balamban mayor assures security for Cebu festival

Balamban Mayor Alex Binghay has assured security of athletes participating in the first Cebu Provincial Sports, Cultural and Academic Festival set to be held in the town from November 19 to 24.

Although he said the town is peaceful with no reports of the presence of New People's Army, Binghay said they have prepared security measures during the festival that will kick off tomorrow at the Mayor Exasperanza S. Binghay Memorial Sports Oval.

Provincial Schools Division superintendent Recaredo Borgonia said around 5,000 athletes from 47 towns will participate in the events.

The event used to be called the annual Provincial Sports Athletic Meet. But this year, Borgonia said athletes will be engaging in academic and cultural competitions in line with the campaign of Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to promote the Cebuano culture and enhancement of academic aspects of the youth.

Each town will have its own presentation such as folkdances, poems, songs and others.

During tomorrow's opening program, Garcia, Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr., Department of Education regional director Carolino Mordeno and Borgonia will lead the raising of the festival banner.

Garcia will also be the keynote speaker and will light the urn, while Sanchez will light the torch. - Gregg M. Rubio