Thursday, January 10, 2008 Council asks group to check Sinulog ads
THE Cebu City Council yesterday told the Sinulog Foundation Inc. to take charge in the setting up of decorations in streets and parks for the Jan. 20 Sinulog grand parade.
It also authorized Mayor Tomas Osmeña to enter into an agreement with the foundation for the City to donate P8 million to defray portions of the cost of the contest.
In an approved measure authored by City Councilor Arsenio Pacaña, the council granted the mayor the power to represent the City in sealing the agreement.
Vice Mayor Michael Rama represented the foundation, being its chairman.
Under the agreement, the City will give P8 million to the foundation in organizing this year’s Sinulog.
On the other hand, the foundation should keep and maintain an accounting of the funds received from the City in accordance to government accounting rules.
The foundation has 30 days after the festivity to submit “accomplishment reports and financial statements duly certified by an independent certified public accountant.”
The City, on the other hand, has the right to demand the return of any unused amount.
Also, Sinulog Foundation Inc. Executive Director Ricky Ballesteros said preparations for the grand parade are already complete and that “everything is in place.”
Authorize
Aside from authorizing the mayor, the council also told the foundation to “take charge in the setting up, free of charge, of streamers, banners, buntings, street arches, and the like in decorating the principal streets (for the parade route).”
The decorations, though, should strictly comply with the Office of the Building Official’s requirements.
The request was made prior to the approval of the foundation as among the City’s accredited nongovernment organizations.
Ballesteros said they were through with the preparations and are now waiting for the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan this Saturday.
He said that unlike last year, when only seven contingents joined in each of the high school and elementary categories, eight are taking part in each category this year.
More are also contesting the crown for the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan the next day, with 10 participants in each category.
Ballesteros also reminded the Cebuanos of the launching activities, which will start with a mass at the Basilica at 2 p.m. tomorrow.
A parade participated in by all private colleges and universities of the city will follow starting from the Basilica to the Cebu City Sports Center. (RHM)
