Dakay Construction and Development Corp.is building the stage and amphitheater-type grandstand for free, said Councilor Jerry Guardo, who is committee on infrastructure chairman.
He told SunStar Cebu on Saturday, January 14, 2023, that various construction companies have offered to help by providing an “unlimited” supply of asphalt and filling materials.
With this, Guardo has assured spectators and the contingents that there will be no muddy area along the parade route.
As of Saturday, the overlaying of asphalt and the construction of the grandstand were still ongoing.
But Guardo is confident that all preparations will be completed before the grand parade on Sunday, January 15.
According to Guardo, two construction companies that wish to remain anonymous have pledged to provide the City with all the asphalt needed to cover muddy areas along the route.
He said the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway Corp. has also provided filling materials.
The road pavement that requires asphalting covers only 10 percent of the parade route since the SRP road is already concrete, he said.
The carousel-type parade route has a total distance of four kilometers.
With the vastness of the venue, Guardo admitted that there will still be mud in areas that are not part of the route and in access ways that spectators will use to reach the grandstand.
In a separate interview, Councilor Phillip Zafra, chairman of the Sinulog executive committee, said preparations are non-stop.
He said the SRP is the best place to hold the festivities due to the broadness of its roads where the street dancing will be performed and the huge area where the stage and spectator area are located.
Zafra said that during the Sinulog sa Kabataan at the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) last January 8, the crowd was small compared to the expected number of spectators during the grand parade but the CCSC already appeared to be overcrowded.
With Sinulog being held at the SRP, this will allow revelers to enjoy more the performances of the contingents.
“Mao na akong panawagan sa katawhan nga atoang suwayan (That’s why I urge the public to give it a try). Let us embrace the change. Let us celebrate together kay kapistahan kini ni (because it’s the feast of the) Sto. Nino,” said Zafra. (IRT, PJB)