Councilor cuts aid to Lumad

DUE to political differences, Cebu City Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa said he will not be giving financial assistance to Lumad Basakanon of Barangay Basak San Nicolas in their bid to join this year’s Aliwan Festival.

Abellanosa is a member of the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK), which is the rival party of Team Rama, headed by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama, cousin of Basak San Nicolas Barangay Captain George Rama.

“In the past years, naghatag tag support financially to Lumad Basakanon. But this time, it would be very awkward if we continue to do that,” said the councilor who is BOPK’s south district congressional bet.

Abellanosa, who will be facing Team Rama’s Aristotle Batuhan in the May elections, said he used to give P150,000 to help Lumad Basakanon prepare for the Aliwan Festival.

He said he gives the same amount to the group’s participation in the Sinulog grand parade.

No matter

Abellanosa also cut his assistance to the group in this year’s Sinulog.

George said Abellanosa’s decision does not matter to the group.

He pointed out that Lumad Basakanon won second place in the free interpretation category of the Sinulog 2013 grand parade.

The group was also grabbed the best in costume and best in musicality awards.

George said the barangay got help from different sectors to raise P1 million for Lumad Basakanon’s participation in Aliwan Festival in April.

Abellanosa expressed hope that the group would win in the Aliwan.

“I hope they will win again because we will all be proud,” he said.

The councilor also congratulated the group for its Sinulog 2013 awards and desribed its performance as “refreshing.”