CEBU, Philippines – No permit will be granted to establishments wanting to hold street parties on January 15 up to the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 17, festival organizers announced yesterday.

Anna Marie Conejero, who is one of those behind this year’s promotional activities for the grand festival, told The FREEMAN this is to maintain the sanctity of the occasion.

Because of the reported inappropriate behavior shown by some people in street parties in the previous years, organizers demanded for stringent policies that should be established during the occasion.

Flying drones and putting up posters and streamers that promote a particular candidate will also be prohibited.

“Wala usab mi gitugotan nga drones nga maglupad-lupad subay sa paghatag og seguridad sa katawhan ug gidili usab namo ang pagpamutang sa tanang mga commercial banners nga iya sa politiko tungod kay dili usab kami magmakuli sa pagtangtang niini,” Conejero said at the sidelines of yesterday’s opening of the Sinulog photo contest and festival costume exhibit at the SM City Cebu.

Three days before the year ends, the Sinulog Foundation Inc. revealed they are now in the final stage of their preparations, foremost of which is issuing reminders to establishments and homeowners located along the parade route.

“We’re encouraging establishments near the parade route to open their comfort rooms to spectators, and they can charge a minimal fee for the use of their comfort rooms,” said Conejero.

Ricky Ballesteros, SFI executive director, said the festival will be officially launched with a parade on January 8. This year’s theme, he added, will be “Sinulog Goes Global.”

So far, 10 contingents (four in elementary category, six in high school category) have enlisted for the Sinulog sa Kabataan sa Dakbayan while nine (three in elementary, six in high school) have registered for the Sinulog the Kabataan sa Lalawigan.

As of now, Ballesteros said they are still waiting for the financial grant from the Provincial Capitol.

He also urged the public to reach their telephone number (032) 253-3700 if they have queries related to the festival or visit the SFI office at the Cebu City Sports Center. — /JMD (FREEMAN)