• CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
The highlight of the 47th edition of the Sinulog sa Kabankalan Festival yesterday was attended by an estimated crowd of more than 30,000, Kabankalan Mayor Benjie Miranda said.
Miranda said the festival was successful and relatively peaceful due to support and cooperation of the city and barangay officials, as well as Kabankalanons.
The Sinulog Festival yesterday was highlighted by a fluvial procession of Señor Sto. Niño at the Ilog-Hilabagnan River, Grand Tribal Parade and the Grand Tribal Arena Dance Competition at the public plaza. Securing the event were military and police personnel, and force multipliers, including about 1,000 augmentation forces, he said.
Despite the challenges of the pandemic, Typhoon Odette, and lack of budget due to the reduction in the city’s national tax allocation by about P268 million, they were able to push through with the festival with the support of the Sangguniang Panlungsod led by Vice Mayor Miguel Zayco, Miranda said.
“As long as there is unity, there is victory,” he said, adding they could achieve many things together. He also thanked everyone involved in the success of the festival particularly the Kabankalan Sinulog Foundation, Inc. led by Councilor Rey Cordero.
Miranda said this year’s theme is “Sto. Niño Modelo sg Tingub nga Pagpanglakatun sang Katawhan sang Dios.” They hope to upgrade the festival next year to make it more colorful.*
