GOVERNOR Gwendolyn Garcia will perform with Sarok dancers of the Municipality of Consolacion during the ritual showdown of the Sinulog Grand Parade, the culminating activity of the One Cebu Island Sinulog Festival 2023, on Sunday, January 15.
"You know that I had already expressed my views and concerns. In the end, whether my concerns were addressed or not, mopatigbabaw gihapon ang akong debosyon sa Señor Santo Niño (my devotion to the Señor Santo Niño will prevail)," she said on Thursday, January 12.
Last Monday, January 9, Garcia expressed concerns about holding the grand parade and the ritual showdown at the South Road Properties, citing the traffic that it will cause for residents in the south of Cebu and security problems.
She said that if it were up to her, the activity would be held at its usual venue at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).
“Nahibaw mo sa matag tuig nga ako gobernador mohalad na gyud ko sa Señor Santo Niño bisan adtong panahon nga nasuspenso ko... niipsot ko ipatigbabaw gyud nako ang debosyon alang sa probinsya,” she said.
(You know that every year that I am governor, I make an offering to the Señor Santo Niño even during the time I was suspended... I slipped out because I wanted to make sure my devotion for the province would prevail.)
The governor did not give more details, saying she considered it a tradition to honor the Santo Niño wherever the venue.
This year marks Garcia’s 14th Sinulog dance. She made her debut performance in 2004, when she was first elected as governor of Cebu.
In 2022, Garcia danced on the Capitol grounds in a pre-recorded performance together with Provincial Board members and employees of the Provincial Government.
Festival activities were held virtually in 2021 and 2022 due to the coronavirus pandemic.
In 2019, Garcia performed with Siloy dancers of the Municipality of Alcoy at the CCSC. (ANV/PJB)