17 contingents confirmed to join Sinulog 2026

Local

WITH preparations gaining momentum, the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) has officially confirmed 17 contingents that will take part in Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2026.

SFI released the updated list as of December 10, naming barangay- and institution-based groups that will bring the color, rhythm, and devotion of the Sinulog tradition back to the city streets in January 2026.

According to SFI, the contingents represent the faith, heritage, and community spirit that define Sinulog, as performers prepare to honor the Señor Santo Niño through music, dance, and storytelling.

Official list of Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2026 contingents

As of December 10, the following groups are confirmed participants:

Banauan Cultural Group – Barangay Guadalupe

Tribo Maampoong Baniladnon – Barangay Banilad

Tribu Kinaiyahan – Barangay Santo Niño

Pundok Luzinians – Barangay Luz

Sinag San Roqueño Performing Arts – Barangay San Roque

Aktibong Binaiwhanon – Barangay Binaliw

Inayawan Talents Guild Cultural Dance Troupe – Barangay Inayawan

Bag-ong Trubu Kasambagan – Barangay Kasambagan

Tugbok Tejero Kultura Ensemble – Barangay Tejero

Banay San Nicolasnon – Barangay San Nicolas Proper

Tribu Bulaknon – Barangay Babag

Barrio Basak Pardo – Barangay Basak Pardo

Hugpong Mananayaw ng Bayan – University of the Philippines Cebu

Barangay Basak San Nicolas

Lambo Mabolo – Barangay Mabolo

Banay Labangon – Barangay Labangon

Banay Talamban – Barangay Talamban

SFI said more groups may still be accommodated as preparations continue, but the confirmed list already reflects broad participation from Cebu City barangays and institutions.

The confirmed lineup follows a strong showing in Sinulog sa Dakbayan 2025, where at least 18 contingents from Cebu City competed at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC).

Last year’s competition was notable for several firsts, including the inclusion of Barangay Mabolo in the street parade to recognize its long-standing role in keeping the

Sinulog tradition alive.

Organizers also introduced the Brass Band Competition, which was won by the 560th Air Force Marching Band from the Mactan–Benito Ebuen Air Base of the Philippine Air Force, besting five other contestants.

The multi-awarded Lumad Basakanon of Barangay Basak San Nicolas emerged as the biggest winner in 2025, sweeping the championships in both the Street Dance and Ritual Showdown categories and earning the Best in Costume award.

Meanwhile, festival preparations for Sinulog 2026 are now 60 percent complete, barely a month before Cebu’s grandest festival returns to the streets, according to SFI.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, a member of the SFI executive committee, said core festival components are already in place, with marketing and additional funding remaining as the main challenges.

“As of now, base sa percentage preparation, naa nata sa 60%. Ang contingents nag-ready na, ang mga barangay ug municipalities nag-ready na sa ilang presentations. Ang stage is ready na pod — gamay nalang gyud ang kulang, ang landing ra gyud. Ang backup power sulod sa CCSC is in place,” Tumulak said.

“Gamay nalang gyud. Marketing nalang gyud because we have to raise fund,” he added.

Tumulak said Sinulog organizers are working double-time to address funding gaps after the Cebu City Government reduced SFI’s allocation for the 2026 festival.

The city initially allotted ₱90 million but trimmed it down to ₱78 million, with the remaining funds redirected to assist victims of recent calamities.

“We requested the marketing team to raise more funds kay nakita nato nga ang expenses dako kaayo. So naghimo ta contingency plans para dili ma-affected ang whole presentation, especially during the D-Day,” Tumulak said.

He noted that private sector participation has increased this year.

“Mas nindot karon kay nitabang ang mga private individuals,” he added.

To ensure crowd safety, SFI plans to deploy more mobile bleachers along the parade route, particularly for vulnerable sectors and emergency response.

“Naa tay ipamutang nga mobile bleachers along the Sinulog route — mas daghan ni karon. In case dunay calamities mahitabo, at least atong vulnerable sector adto nato ibutang. And parties should be outside the Sinulog route,” Tumulak said.

The Sinulog 2026 parade will follow the same route as last year.

Construction of the Sinulog grand stage at the CCSC has also begun. The venue will host major events, including the Sinulog Grand Festival on January 18, 2026. Route coordination with barangays and the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) has been completed, focusing on traffic flow, safety, and mobility.

Preparations are aligned with Mayor Nestor Archival’s directive to streamline the grand parade and end festivities by 7 p.m., following lessons learned from previous festivals marked by extended programs and delayed parades.(TGP)