Cebu City’s 2017 Sinulog Grand Parade Will be Shorter, Safer

The Cebu City government has shortened the 2017 Sinulog Grand Parade carousel route set on Jan. 17 next year from six to four kilometers, an official said.

Cebu City Councilor David Tumulak, who has been assigned by Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña to oversee the Sinulog Festival, said they intend to finish the parade by 4 p.m.. It will start at 9 in the morning.

Tumulak, who also chairs the Cebu City Council committee on peace and order, said there will also be separate assembly areas for contingents of the street dancing, float, puppeteer and ‘higante’ competitions.

“This will avoid crowding and to heighten security,” he said.

He said the contingents will converge on Gen. Maxilom Avenue before heading to the Cebu City Sports Complex (CCSC) on Osmena Boulevard.

Participants of the street dancing will go from New Imus Road in Barangay Carreta going to CCSC via Fuente Osmeña.

The floats and higantes will use Gen. Maxilom Avenue going to A. Soriano Avenue, while the puppeteers’ route will start from M.J. Cuenco Avenue to Gen. Maxilom Avenue.

“There will be no vehicles, puppeteers or floats along the strip for the dancers. Before the grand parade starts, there will be K9 units that will inspect the floats and all the service vehicles of the participants,” Tumulak said.

Tumulak said they have prepared a security plan in coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

“Security will definitely be tighter starting Jan. 6, which is the opening of the Sinulog celebration. Rest assured, were giving safety and security to our spectators. Our security set up is different from previous years,” Tumulak said. (PNA) JBP/EB/EBP