Minimum Sinulog sponsorship package increases by P50K

Local

ORGANIZERS of Sinulog 2027 have raised the minimum sponsorship package for participating floats as contingents continue to grapple with rising production costs and funding requirements ahead of Cebu’s biggest cultural and religious festival.

Elmer “Jojo” Labella, executive director of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI), said many previous sponsors have already expressed interest in supporting next year’s celebration, although final agreements are still being worked out.

“Many have signified that they will be coming back again,” Labella said during a MyTV Openline News Media Forum on Tuesday, Oct. 6.

However, participation in the festival’s float category will continue to depend on sponsorship packages, a scheme introduced in recent years to manage the number of entries and improve the overall flow of the grand parade.

“Although the lowest sponsorship package has increased,” Labella said when asked if the requirement for float participants would remain in place for Sinulog 2027.

Labella said that last Sinulog, the lowest sponsorship package was ₱750,000. For next year’s Sinulog, the lowest sponsorship package will be ₱800,000.

The adjustment comes as contingents, particularly those from local government units, negotiate funding support for choreographers, production designers, costumes, props, and other production expenses.

Labella said financial concerns remain a major consideration for participating groups, especially amid prevailing economic challenges.

“These are hard times, especially with the present crisis. This is something that we really have to face,” he said.

Despite these concerns, SFI has begun accepting expressions of interest from contingents as early as October, with registration expected to run until Nov. 30 or Dec. 1.

Labella said many groups have already signified their intention to join, although no final list has been completed.

He noted that contingents participating in Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, the Province of Cebu’s annual cultural festival, are also expected to join the Sinulog Grand Parade.

The SFI executive director said organizers are trying to strike a balance between sustaining participation and maintaining the improvements introduced during the 2026 celebration, which drew an estimated 5.2 million attendees.

Sinulog 2026 featured around 40 contingents, including competing groups, guest performers and city and provincial contingents. The number of floats was also reduced after organizers required participants to secure sponsorship packages.

Labella said limiting entries and streamlining parade operations helped shorten this year’s festivities and improve crowd management.

“Crowd control is crucial,” he said.

He noted that organizers intend to maintain or improve measures to ensure smoother movement for contingents and spectators.

He added that while sponsorship costs have increased, prizes and financial assistance for contingents will remain unchanged because they are funded by the Cebu City

Government.

The Cebu City Sports Center will remain the main venue for Sinulog 2027, while the parade route may undergo minor adjustments to ease congestion in critical areas.

The Sinulog Grand Parade is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2027.(TGP)