Rama to vacate SFI chairmanship

CEBU, Philippines - After the successful celebration of the 31st Sinulog festival, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama is now scouting who will be the next to hold the position as the overall chairman of the foundation.

Rama is the overall chairman for 10 years now. He started when he was still a first term vice-mayor, but said he is willing to give a chance to city councilors.

“There will be a time. Any of the city councilors who are willing,” Rama said.

He added that being an overall chairman of the Sinulog Foundation, one must be a “hands-on” person and would connect with other agencies.

With the Sinulog 2011’s successful celebration despite the heavy rains, Rama yesterday revealed that plans are already underway for additional contests next year.

He wants to have a competition for best decoration of karosa where the image of Sto. Niño is being displayed aside from the usual search for best in higante and float. 

Last Saturday and Sunday, participants of the procession and contingents of the mardi gras were drenched in rain and had to wade through some flooded portions of the city.

Rama noticed an increase of attendance of the participants. The 4.5-km stretch of the carousel-type parade route from New Imus Street to General Maxilum Avenue, the Fuente Osmeña rotunda, Osmeña Boulevard down to the Cebu City Sports Complex was packed with onlookers.

A total of 151 contingents in several categories joined the performance.

Rama lauded the members of the City Council headed by Vice Mayor Joy Augustus Young for having assisted and being instrumental of the successful celebration. He also thanked the Philippine National Police, the Central Command and all agencies concerned for making the celebration a success.

No violence marred either the religious or the festivals except perhaps the pickpockets and the heavy traffic. – (FREEMAN)