FOR the 15th year, the Balik Cebu committee greeted more than 300 balikbayans who arrived at the Mactan Cebu International Airport yesterday morning.
Tetta Baad, chairperson of the committee, said that most of the balikbayans came from California and the United States. They were treated to a welcome party at the City Sports Club last night.
Baad said they have links abroad who contacted them as early as October and November last year for the Balik Cebu Program.
Over the past 15 years, Baad observed that more balikbayans have become more aware of Balik Cebu.
With program reaching its 15th year, Baad said it speaks volumes on how a group of private entities and public personalities come together to hold Balik Cebu, which is one way of promoting Cebu’s yearly Sinulog to the world and attract more local and foreign tourists.
Meanwhile, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) 7 Director Ahmed Cuizon said that several bus companies offered to transport for free the contingents from other local government units for the Sinulog grand parade on Jan 21.
He also said that they prepared 380 public utility jeepneys and 20 mini buses to serve those from different areas for the procession this Saturday night and during the grand parade.
“These were given special permits by the LTFRB,” Cuizon said. (EOB)