CEBU, Philippines - Lanao del Norte Governor Mohamad Khalid Dimaporo sees their joining Cebu City's Sinulog grand parade as one way of promoting his province's diverse culture and to show to the national and international community that they have a peaceful place.
"Cebu City's Sinulog is a venue for us to tell the world that our place is peaceful contrary to the negative connotation about Mindanao. Lanao del Norte is a land of beauty and bounty and one way of showcasing that is by joining this event," the governor said in a press conference yesterday at the Regal Hotel, Cebu City.
Lanao del Norte has a contingent of 256 people, 119 of these are dancers, drummers and propsmen while the rest are government officials and committee members.
This is the third time that Lanao del Norte joined the Sinulog. In 2009, they won Best in Costume, third runner-up in the free interpretation category and second place in street dancing.
In 2010, they won again as third runner-up in the free interpretation category and their candidate for Miss Sinulog won as fourth runner-up.
"We hope we will win this time," the optimistic governor said.
Minda Regis, Lanao del Norte tourism officer said that they allocated a total of P3.6 million for the dancer's costumes, props, among others. The amount is higher by around P700,000 as compared to their expenses last year which is only around P2.9 million.
Dimaporo said that they are really spending for the promotion of their province with hopes that five to ten years from now their place will no longer be negatively associated.
"The leadership of Lanao del Norte is giving equal treatment to both the Muslims and Christians that’s why there is peace in our province. Lanao del Norte is a peaceful province," the governor said. (FREEMAN)