Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Performers unfazed by COA issue
CHOREOGRAPHERS and local Sinulog contingents are not letting the fuss over the Commission on Audit (COA) memorandum that threatens the holding of next year’s grand parade come in the way of their preparations.
Victor Cuenco, who steered Alcoy’s Siloy Festival to a first-place finish in the Sinulog-based category this year, said they are confident the Sinulog will push through despite Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s earlier statement.
The mayor had said the Sinulog might be canceled for lack of funds because the City, due to the COA memorandum, is barred from giving its annual P8 million financial assistance to the Sinulog Foundation Inc.
“Dili na ma-cancel uy, masuko ang (It will not be cancelled) Sto. Niño (won’t be pleased) ana,” he said, adding that they are not letting the matter distract Alcoy, Cebu.
Sinanduloy
He said he is already drafting his proposal to the Alcoy Municipal Government for the town to defend its crown, after thwarting Tangub City’s Sinanduloy Dance Troupe’s bid for a fourth straight first place finish in the Sinulog-based category this year.
COA Circular 2007-001 prohibits any local government unit (LGU) from giving aid to any nongovernment organization (NGO) whose incorporator, director, organizer or officer is related to any local official involved in the approval or release of government funds.
In the Sinulog Foundation’s case, Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama is its overall chairman.
Rama could salvage the City funding by resigning from his foundation post.
Dennis Navarro, choreographer of Lumad Basakanon, which romped away with its second straight free interpretation category crown last January, said they are in the process of hiring the contingent’s dancers.
He said they do not think of the possibility of not having a Sinulog, confident that the Cebuanos will not allow it.
“Dili mosugot ang Sto. Niño ana. Bisan siguro mominus ang premyo pwede ra. Daghan bitaw mangutana madayon ba, akong ingnon nay Sinulog madayon gyud na,” Navarro said.
Maximar Custodio, who choreographed Mabolo Elementary School that bagged first place in the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan this year, admitted they momentarily
stopped holding practices after what the mayor said.
But, he added, they will resume on October even though things will still remain unclear because they have to defend their title.
Tangub, though, may not be able to join the 2009 Sinulog.
It, however, is not because of the possible cancellation of the Sinulog, said choreographer Jojen Pascual.
He said the Misamis Occidental city is hosting a regional meet in April it might not be able to devote resources to form a Sinulog contingent.
But, he said, everything is still possible, adding that COA memorandum or not, there will always be a Sinulog and Tangub will join the grand parade, if not for the regional meet.
“Ingon si mayor nga naa may presentation sa April, kung pwede ra para pud Sinulog, mo-apil ang Tangub. Pero ang focus ang regional meet, kung maapil ra ang Sinulog,” Pascual said.
He said Tangub is devoting its resources in improving its sports facilities to host the sporting event. (RHM)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (September 16, 2008 issue)
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