Council junks P3M for Tribu

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Council junked yesterday the recommendation for the city to spend P3 million as expenses of the Tribu Lumad Basakanon, which is set to join the Aliwan Festival in Manila from April 11 to 13.

Councilor Margarita “Margot” Osmeña, head of the council committee on budget and finance, said since the activity is cultural in nature, the committee cannot recommend for the approval of the P3 million.

Osmeña said such expenses are not in the guidelines set by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.

“Should there be any updated communication from Pagcor showing that cultural activities is one of the qualified projects to be funded by its donation, this committee will follow the said guidelines and will yield to the request,” said Osmeña in her committee report.

Pagcor is giving the city government P3 million every month for allowing the operation of Casino Filipino in the city.

Under its guidelines, Pagcor donates funds to the city to be spent only on projects related to economic livelihood, infrastructure, disease prevention, improvement of peace and order, emergency assistance, social amelioration and disaster assistance.

But Mayor Michael Rama said the council committed a great mistake by not supporting Tribu Lumad Basakanon’s wish to join the Aliwan Festival.

Tribu Lumad Basakanon had already been elevated to the Aliwan’s Hall of Fame after winning the grand prize in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Aliwan is described as the grandest of all festivals nationwide where champions of different festivals compete. — /LPM (FREEMAN)