Mayor hopes Capitol can assist "Pasigarbo" dancer

CEBU, Philippines – Borbon Mayor Bernard Sepulveda is hoping that the provincial government can extend financial assistance to the 15-year-old dancer who collapsed during the 3rd Pasigardo sa Sugbo Festival of Festivals last Saturday.

Jinky Cabahug, a dancer of the Silmugi Festival contingent of Borbon, is currently under observation at the Saint Vincent Hospital in Cebu City after she collapsed twice following the parade and presentation last Saturday.

Cabahug is a student of the Borbon National High School.

She first collapsed after the street parade in the afternoon and was attended to by the medical staff at the Cebu International Convention Center. Still, she joined the showdown in the evening and collapsed the second time after the presentation past 11pm.

“Tingali bisan ug kapoy na, gusto gayud sa bata nga makasayaw, mao kadto nga naka apil gyud siya,” Sepulveda said.

Sepulveda said he had to use his personal money for hospital expenses at that time.

Cabahug was first brought to the Mandaue City Hospital, but was not admitted because there was no available room. Sepulveda said he paid P120 after doctors examined Cabahug.

Sepulveda said he then brought Cabahug to the Perpetual Succour Hospital, but no room was also available. Cabahug was eventually admitted to the Saint Vincent Hospital upon recommendation of Borbon Municipal Councilor Roy Melgo.

Sepulveda said the municipal government can shell out something for Cabahug, but he hopes the provincial government can also render some assistance.

Sepulveda said despite its limited budget, Borbon still participated in the festival because the town believes that the program can promote Borbon.

Borbon participated in the Pasigarbo sa Sugbo two years after the Department of Education initiated the Silmugi Festival. The town’s festival is named after the Silmugi River located in Borbon. (FREEMAN)