Kaplag preparations underway

CEBU, Philippines — The Kaplag Festival 2024 of Barangay San Nicolas, Cebu City is expected to bigger this year compared to the previous years with the full support from the Cebu City government.

Barangay San Nicolas Proper village chief Clifford Jude Niñal, in an interview with The Freeman, said that preparations are now underway for the Kaplag Festival set April 28, 2024 at the Archdiocesan Shrine of San Nicolas de Tolentino.

Seven barangays, mostly around San Nicolas Proper, have already signified their participation.

It will be a battle of festivals among the participating barangays, says Niñal.

According to Niñal, the Cebu City government led by Mayor Mike Rama will be giving subsidies to the participating barangays.

Initially, each contingent has been promised P75,000, but barangay officials and choreographers have asked for additional subsidy to defray costs.

"Hopefully, ma approve ang hangyo sa tanan kay dako gyud ug gasto ni,"Niñal said.

Right now though, Niñal is happy to note of the full support shown by the city government.

"With the support nga gihatag karon sa City government, makaingon gyud tag mao na nya ni kinadak-an...and dapat lang gyud pud ni suportahan kay importante kaayo ning Kaplag. Kon wa pa makaplagi si Sto.Niño, wala na unta ning uban pang festival including gani siguro ang Sinulog kon wala si Sto.Niño," Niñal added.

Aside from the ritual showdown, there will also be street dancing this year.

Last year, the Kaplag Festival did not have a ritual showdown still due to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Instead, organizers had a contest for kids with the best in costume of Sto.Niño.

Niñal said they have yet to deliberate if the same contest will be done again this year. (CEBU NEWS)