Sinulog 2009 Festivities threatened by cancellation of funding

Sinulog 2009 Festivities threatened by cancellation of funding

Got an alert today that the COA ban on aid to any NGO is affected by COA Circular 2007-001.

“COA Circular 2007-001 prohibits any local government unit (LGU) from giving aid to any nongovernment organization (NGO) whose incorporator, director, organizer or officer is related to any local official involved in the approval or release of government funds.” – Sun Star Cebu

Vice Mayor Rama is the Chairman of the Sinulog Foundation and this poses a big problem for the foundation since the City gives the foundation aroud 8M for the staging of the festival that attracts loads of local and foreign tourists that spur the local economy.

The Foundation is requesting for an exemption to for the Sinulog Foundation, otherwise, the Festival has to tone down its activities or even at the worst case scenario, cancel the festival all together.

“Mellowed down activities na lang siguro, like we used to have nightly activities at Fuente Osmeña,” Sinulog Foundation executive director Ricky Ballesteros said.

What is in store for sinulog 2009? we still dont know, but I feel that the Sinulog is already an institution and shall find a way to weather this temporary setback. Otherwise, Cebu will lose a jewel in the Sinulog in terms of spurring the local economy and building national pride in its culture and heritage.

With a little more than 4 months away, the foundation is pressured to find a solution, exemption or finding another source of funding.. the sinulog festival 2009 must push thru without fail!