Labella on Sinulog Governing Board:Scope of board wider than SFI’s

CEBU, Philippines — The Sinulog Governing Board is meant to oversee all facets of the Sinulog Festival, both in cultural and religious activities.

This was the explanation of Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella after Vice Mayor Michael Rama questioned the board’s creation, which reportedly may conflict with the functions of the Sinulog Foundation, Inc. that Rama heads.

Rama also said he was not informed or consulted when Labella issued the executive order that created the board.

Yesterday, Labella said it is his responsibility to see to it that all facets of the Sinulog are dealt with.

“The city has the obligation to see to it that the entire Sinulog celebration including the religious activities that there would be peace and order, response on emergencies, traffic, that’s why there has to have a body that will address to all of these from the local government,” he said.

“As mayor, I have that duty to see to it that all these concerns will be addressed. I’m even happy and glad that the vice mayor is the chairman of the Sinulog since we can work well together,” he added.

He also said that the issue will not affect his relationship with Rama and that he will discuss everything with the vice mayor once they meet.

Labella has just returned from an overseas trip yesterday.

“I don’t think so. I’m happy nga he was elected as chairman. We can work this together especially on concerns on traffic, security, and I hope that I can talk to him over this so that there would not be misunderstanding. I don’t want that to happen,” Labella told reporters.

He said Rama would still be part of the Sinulog Governing Board since it will accommodate five trustees from SFI.

Labella said the city government will give at least P20 million and up to P30 million to SFI for the Sinulog Festival, which is why it should also know all activities the foundation will undertake.

For instance, he said, the city has reportedly been unaware of how much the stalls that are allowed to sell in the streets have generated.

“For so many years, the city has no knowledge how much of these were generated so there has to be some kind of accountability because anything that is being collected is imbued with public character. That is why the city has its obligation to really look at it,” Labella said.

Considering it is his first time to be mayor, Labella said he wants proper accountability in all aspects of the Sinulog Festival.

“Karon pa man ko ani. I want to look into all the aspects of accountability kay naay isulod nga money for the Sinulog activities. I think it is imbued with public character. The governing board, aside on the concern of traffic, security, disaster preparedness, it is the local government through the board, which has the authority to address these concerns because dili man ka maka-expect nga ang foundation ang manawag sa police, sa NBI, sa fire department, sa Red Cross and other agencies. It should be the local government. It is the duty through the mayor and the governing board to look into these concerns,” he explained.

The Sinulog Governing Board’s functions include organizing the Sinulog Festival and looking into other Sinulog activities, particularly peace and order, leading to the festival, in coordination with other concerned offices, agencies, and stakeholders; overseeing the SFI and the execom since the board is a policy determining and regulatory body; reviewing and approving all resolutions and actions of the SFI’s executive committee; and performing other functions necessary to ensure the success of the event. —  JMO (FREEMAN)