FOR a smoother Sinulog 2019 launching parade, organizers have decided to lengthen the parade route.
For the past years, the launching parade to the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) has always kicked off at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño right after a holy mass and a short tribute.
The parade route then was around 1.1 kilometers and was participated by the City Government, schools and other stakeholders.
In an interview Friday, December 28, Councilor Dave Tumulak, Sinulog executive committee head, said that next year's launching parade on January 11 will kick off at Plaza Independencia going to the CCSC. The new route is around 1.4 kilometers.
He explained that this is to avoid congestion and disturbing churchgoers since the Basilica follows a tight schedule.
This is also in anticipation for the eight schools that will be participating in the launching parade.
"Atong giapil ang Legaspi Extension beside Plaza Independencia tungod sa gitas-on sa participants," Tumulak said.
The same number of schools also participated in this year's Sinulog launching parade and Tumulak said that it caused congestion in the area surrounding the Basilica.
Participating schools include Cebu Central College, Cebu Institute of Technology-University, Cebu School og Arts and Trade, University of San Jose-Recoletos, University of San Carlos, Southwestern University, University of Southern Philippines, and the University of the Visayas.
Also during the launching program, Tumulak said the Sinulog Foundation Inc. will award plaques of recognition to schools and personalities who have played vital roles in what the festival is today.
"Gi-honor nato sila kay sila man ang nag-giya nga niabot sa panahon nga ang Sinulog nidako. Naa ni sila sukad pa pag-1980," he said.
The awardees include Dolores "Dolly" Suzara, who was one of the pioneer organizers of the Sinulog when it started in 1981.
Also included is David Odilao, the first Sinulog executive committee chairman and production head of the festival. (RTF)