Gwen told: Give to contingents instead of SFI

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has advised Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to direct the Capitol’s assistance to the contingents of the province instead of coursing it through the Sinulog Foundation Inc.

The governor recently made an announcement that the Capitol is willing to provide assistance to SFI provided the foundation sends them a request.

Last year, the province donated P2 million to SFI for the Sinulog celebration.

But Rama said that he would prefer that the province will directly give its assistance to the contingents from the province to assist in their preparation for the grand parade this Sunday.

There will be 10 elementary schools and high schools from the province participating this Sunday. They were the winners of the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan held last Saturday.

“We were together in an activity, I told her that if you’re going to extend assistance, give it to the contingents from the province or to the Deped,” Rama said.

“Didto na lang they can do it. Of course we will welcome all help but they don’t necessarily have to give to SFI,” he added.

The mayor clarified that he is not refusing the offer of the province but is only suggesting a better way they can help.

He said that the city has already provided P12 million for the prizes while there are many sponsors from the private sectors.

The SFI targeted to raise at least P27 million for the Sinulog grand parade. Of this amount, the city government shouldered the P12 million which will be exclusive for the prizes. SFI is confident to raise the P15 million and might even raise more. 

Meanwhile, the Cebu Port Authority has waived the terminal fees of all 13 out-of-town contingents that will be participating in the Sinulog grand parade.

Councilor Alvin Dizon, chairman of the out-of-town contingents for the Sinulog 2011, yesterday said the contingents who will be leaving Cebu by boat will not be charged.

Dizon said they need a list of the names of the members of the contingents so they submit these to the CPA for the waiver of the terminal fees.

In yesterday’s meeting with the schools principals and City Hall department heads, Dizon said that all out-of-town contingents will be housed at the Abellana National High School, Cebu City Central School, Labangon National High School, Zapatera National High School and Regino Memorial School.

Dizon said the city government will provide out-of-town contingents with transportation from their arrival at the port to their assigned housing. – (FREEMAN)