Number of balikbayans arriving for Sinulog increasing

CEBU, Philippines - Organizers of the "Balik Cebu" program are happy of its outcome as they expect more balikbayans and guests to come to witness the grandiose celebration of this year's Sinulog Festival.

Officials of the Department of Tourism and Industry and the Cebu City government, who spearhead the Balik Cebu, said the program is a big success as yesterday, more than 200 balikbayans, who are mostly from the United States arrived at the Mactan-Cebu International Airport to join the festivities.

Tita Baad, chairperson of the Balik Cebu program, whose campaign is to encourage Cebuanos who are now living abroad, to come back to Cebu during Sinulog, said the number of balikbayans arriving for the Sinulog is increasing.

Baad is one who closely coordinates with DOT and the Cebuanos abroad.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama led the other local officials in welcoming the guests at the MCIA.

Rama said he is very happy to see the arriving balikbayans who returned here just to be part of the celebration of the Feast of the Sto. Niño.

Leopoldo Montecillo, a native of Sogod, Cebu, who is now living in California with his children said he is very glad on the way they were welcomed when they returned in Cebu.

He and his wife decided to come back to witness this year's Sinulog.

Some of the balikbayans who arrived yesterday are also natives of Danao City.

Cebu Provincial Board Member Agnes Magpale, chairperson of the committee on tourism, said she is impressed by the big number of Cebuanos returning home just to be part of the religious activity.

Former Department of Tourism regional director Patria Aurora Roa also joined the local officials in welcoming the balikbayans.

Like Magpale, Roa said that she is happy with the increasing number of balikbayans returning home every year for the Sinulog.

Mactan Airport General Manager Nigel Paul Villarete said they implemented stricter security measures to ensure the safety of the balikbayans and other visitors who are arriving in Cebu to join the celebration. (FREEMAN)