1 month ago
20
CEBU CITY — This year's Sinulog Festival not only brought life to the streets of Cebu with its vibrant celebration but also gave the local economy a significant boost, benefiting both large and small enterprises, as 4 million revelers joined the grand event.
Returning to its traditional carousel route, the Sinulog transformed P. Del Rosario Street, Osmeña Boulevard and General Maxilom Avenue into thriving hubs of activity, with businesses reporting impressive sales during the festivities.
A win for local businesses
Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia hailed this year's Sinulog as a monumental success, emphasizing its unprecedented vibrancy compared to prior editions.
The massive turnout of festival-goers revitalized downtown Cebu, creating a ripple effect of economic gains across various industries.
Get the latest news
delivered to your inbox
Sign up for The Manila Times newsletters
By signing up with an email address, I acknowledge that I have read and agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
The hospitality sector stood out as one of the biggest beneficiaries. Mia Singsong-Leon, president of the Hotel Resort and Restaurant Association of Cebu Inc., shared that hotel bookings were fully secured as early as December, a testament to the festival's economic impact.
Restaurants and other service providers also thrived as the demand for food, beverages and services skyrocketed.
Street vendors shared in the economic success, with many doubling or tripling their usual earnings. Dionessa, a vendor selling unripe mangoes and peanuts, expressed excitement over the surge in sales, attributing it to the influx of revelers during the solemn foot procession. Her husband, who sold beverages, echoed the sentiment, reporting brisk sales throughout the festivities.
A lifeline for microentrepreneurs
Small vendors along the parade route celebrated the return of the Sinulog to downtown Cebu. Food and drink sellers, from barbecue stands to stalls selling bottled water, experienced an extraordinary boom in business.
Dionessa, a vendor stationed outside the Cebu City Sports Center, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to cater to the large crowds.
"This is one of the few times in the year when small vendors like me can truly thrive," she said.
Meanwhile, souvenir shops and retailers of festive accessories saw overwhelming demand from tourists and locals, further highlighting the festival's role in driving local commerce.
International appeal
Visitors from across the globe contributed to the festival's thriving economy. Canadian tourist Andrew and Slovenian traveler Sarah shared their enthusiasm for Cebu's vibrant celebrations, praising the local cuisine and the Sinulog's festive energy.
Such positive experiences underscore Cebu's potential as a key player in international tourism.
"The colorful performances were amazing, and the food here is so delicious!" Andrew told The Manila Times while soaking in the sights.
Challenges
Despite its positive economic impact, Sinulog 2025 faced logistical challenges. Traffic congestion and crowd management issues caused delays in parts of the program, prompting organizers to address gaps in safety and coordination.
Authorities issued show-cause orders to eight establishments for violating liquor bans near the parade route, reiterating the importance of maintaining safety and compliance.
The Cebu City Police Office and health teams managed 190 minor incidents, ensuring quick responses to dehydration, exhaustion and minor injuries caused by carrying heavy props.
Recognizing the physical toll on participants and festival-goers, local government units announced class suspensions last Monday. Municipalities such as Carmen, Carcar City and Talisay City joined Cebu City in giving performers and devotees time to recover from the festivities.
Looking ahead, Mayor Garcia emphasized the importance of building on this year's momentum.
With Sinulog 2025 hailed as an economic and cultural triumph, the festival underscored Cebu's ability to merge tradition with growth, proving to be a lifeline for businesses large and small.
