THE Consolacion Municipal Government is thankful that its contingent Tribu Malipayon snatched the grand prize in the free interpretation category in the Sinulog ritual showdown Sunday, Jan. 20.
It was the town’s first participation in the grand parade.
Mayor Teresa Alegado did not expect her contingent to win, saying they honored the Holy Child for the town’s achievements last year.
The town has had a number of feats in different areas recently.
In 2018, Consolacion placed third in the search for best police stations nationwide. The town’s police is led by Chief Insp. Gerard Ace Pelare.
The local government unit also ranked first in Central Visayas in economic competitiveness. It had the highest revenue collection in Cebu Province.
“Nakahilak ko kay halad ra man gud ‘tong amo, halad pasalamat (I cried because what we did was an offering of thanks), but we tried our best,” Alegado said.
Last Jan. 12, Tribu Malipayon placed third during the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Lalawigan (for the Youth of the Province).
The dancers were students from Pulpogan National High School, Consolacion National High School and Tayud National High School. The propsmen were from the Alpha Kappa Rho Fraternity-Consolacion chapter.
The municipal government spent P8 million in its two-month preparations for the Sinulog.
For winning the grand prize in the free interpretation category, Tribu Malipayon took home P1 million.
The judges gave them P200,000 for winning two special awards -- best in costume and musicality.
Alegado said they will savor their wins in the Sinulog and they are not yet thinking about joining the grand parade next year to defend their crown. (FROM AZLG OF SUPERBALITA CEBU/ KAL