THE town of Del Carmen in Siargao Island marked a historic milestone as it participated for the first time in the Sinulog Festival in Cebu City on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.
Del Carmen’s delegation, led by Mayor Alfredo Coro II, told VoxPop Cebu on Saturday, Jan. 18, that they bring a compelling narrative of faith, recovery and environmental stewardship.
“We are deeply grateful for this opportunity. This participation is more than just a performance for us; it’s a testament to our faith and the blessings we’ve received, especially in the wake of Typhoon Odette,” Coro said in Cebuano.
Del Carmen’s delegation was one of 12 Sinulog contingents from outside Cebu, out of the 44 total contingents participating in the Sinulog Grand Parade and Ritual Showdown on Sunday.
Aside from the 12 out-of-town contingents, there were 18 contingents from Cebu City, 11 from Cebu Province and three guest contingents.
Central to Del Carmen’s Sinulog presentation was the town’s rich mangrove ecosystem. The Bakhaw Cultural Dancers brought the Bakhaw Festival to the event, showcasing their culture, stories and dreams.
The town’s performance aimed to highlight the critical role of mangroves in combating climate change and protecting coastal communities. It also sought to raise awareness about the importance of environmental conservation and sustainable practices.
Home to the largest mangrove forest in the Philippines, Del Carmen has become a symbol of environmental conservation. What was once plagued by illegal mangrove cutting has transformed into a model of biodiversity preservation.
“Our story is about the mangroves. These mangroves have been our shield against natural calamities, including typhoon Odette,” he said.
“For over a decade, we have nurtured and protected these mangroves, and now they protect us in return. This relationship between our community and the mangroves is something we want to share with the world,” he added.
Journey
The group’s journey to Cebu was a momentous occasion for many participants. They arrived Thursday, Jan. 16, facing the challenge of being unfamiliar with the place.
With over 400 participants, they plan to extend their stay for one day after the awarding ceremony on Monday, Jan. 20, to allow time to explore the city.
Coro added that for 85 percent of the performers, it was their first time to Cebu and their first time to travel by ship.
He emphasized that this experience alone was significant, marking new beginnings and opportunities for the community.
Organizing the town’s first-ever Sinulog performance was not without its challenges.
Preparations began in February, and despite adverse weather conditions, including heavy rains and power outages, the community pressed on, driven by collective passion and commitment.
“The resilience shown by the students, their families and the organizers has been truly inspiring. Their dedication to telling the story of Del Carmen and representing our community on a national stage speaks volumes about their determination and spirit,” Coro said.
The road to Sinulog was a collaborative effort, with overwhelming support from the local community, the Department of Education and families of the performers.
“The support reflects a shared vision of putting Del Carmen on the map — not just as a popular surfing destination but as a community with a rich cultural and environmental heritage,” Coro said.
Coro emphasized that Sinulog is more than just a festival. It serves as a platform for sharing stories of perseverance and triumph.
He pointed out that despite challenges faced by the community, their participation symbolizes enduring hope, faith and resilience. He described it as a celebration of life, faith and the unyielding spirit of the community.
Known for its cultural significance and religious fervor, the Sinulog Festival draws contingents from across the Philippines — all vying to honor Santo Niño and showcase their unique heritage. (CAV)