Cebu City is expected to welcome 4 to 5 million visitors for the Sinulog Festival on January 18, coinciding with the 461 feast of the Santo Niño de Cebu. According to Mayor Nestor Archival, the local government has ensured the safety and tranquility of the city.
There are 40 dancing contingents, including three guest performers, scheduled to entertain attendees. Activities will begin on January 8, including Novena Masses, before the festival itself on January 18.
More than 7,000 members of the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, and Bureau of Fire Protection will be deployed for security. Also shown was the new mobile command center and other equipment for real-time monitoring of CCTV cameras in Metro Cebu.
Important national figures, including the President, Vice President, and heads of Congress and Senate, are also expected to attend, according to Archival, although no confirmation has been made yet.
According to Rev. Fr. Jules Almerez, media liaison of the Basilica Minore Del Santo Niño, the theme of the festival is unity, and he assured that no one will be left out of the celebration.
