(L-R) Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority Public Affairs Office Chief Mary Ann Dimabayao, Department of Tourism 7 Regional Director Judy Gabato, and Sinulog Foundation Inc. Executive Director Elmer “Jojo” Labella sharing their updates and preparations for the 2025 Sinulog festivities during the Kapihan sa PIA forum on Jan. 8, 2025 in Cebu City. (MYP)
CEBU CITY, Cebu (PIA) – A large influx of local and international tourists is expected for the upcoming 460th Fiesta Señor Celebration and Sinulog Festival 2025 on Jan. 19 at the Cebu City Sports Center.
Sinulog Foundation Inc. executive director Elmer Labella revealed during the Kapihan sa PIA program that 45 contingents will participate in this year’s Grand Mardi Gras.
The participants include regional winners from various local festivals across the country.
“We are really preparing for an influx of crowds. We actually have 45 contingents including the provincial and city governments. We have a guest contingent who is non-competing, which is the Masskara of Bacolod. For the competing contingents, we actually have 42,” said Labella.
Some contingents from Luzon, including participants from Bulacan, Bicol, and Antipolo, will also join 18 local contingents in the celebration.
Labella said that bleachers will be provided for spectators during the Grand Parade.
These will be placed along designated areas following the traditional parade route set by the City Government of Cebu.
Meanwhile, Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 regional director Judy Gabato said they have launched the Balik Cebu Program, an initiative aimed at welcoming balikbayans to Cebu, particularly during significant events like the Sinulog Festival.
Established in 2001, the program is a joint effort of the Cebu City Government, Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), private organizations, and the DOT.
It provides a warm, festive, and culturally enriching experience for returning Filipinos and their families.
“We have this Balik Cebu Program, which supports airport courtesy. We are targeting five flights on Jan. 16 and we’re looking at more or less 1,000 passengers. We are not only catering to Balikbayans but also visiting tourists. ” said Gabato.
She disclosed that additional incentive flights from countries such as Hong Kong, Taipei, Seoul, Dubai, Saudi Arabia, among others, are expected to fly in more tourists in Cebu.
MCIAA Public Affairs Office chief Mary Ann Dimabayao also discussed preparations for the festivities that include basic first aid stations and the activation of ‘Oplan Ligtas Biyahe’ help desks.
“So, among pangandam sa airport mao ang help desks nga kung pananglitan naa man gani sila’y inquiries naa sila’y maduolan sa arrival areas, sa departure areas both terminals 1 and 2. Heightened Alert Status sad mi starting January 15,” said Dimabayao.
(Our preparations at the airport include setting up of help desks. If passengers have inquiries, they have someone to approach at the arrival and departure areas of Terminals 1 and 2. Starting January 15, we will be on Heightened Alert Status.)
More than three million attendees are expected for this year’s Sinulog celebration. (MYP/PIA 7 Cebu)