The governor also said that Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan informed her that his contingent will also not be participating in the competition if the same conditions are not met.
She said all the mayors of the province are one in supporting this call.
“I will take it upon myself to make the hard decision in order to protect the constituents of the province of Cebu. Because above all, it is the health and safety of our constituents that I must prioritize,” she said.
The governor said she has contacted Rama regarding the situation of some constituents struggling to practice at the SRP due to the thick mud and the asphalt that is still being laid on site.
“Wa may init. Unsaon paggahi anang aspalto? Nagpasilong intawon sa ilang kaugalingong props ang mga bata. Puwerteng uwana. Way kasilongan lain,” the governor said.
(There is no heat. How can that asphalt harden? The children took shelter in their own props. It’s raining and they have no shelter to go to.)
“I don’t see any miracle happening. In fact, I find it presumptuous of us to be praying for a miracle because we want to insist on the SRP when we have a viable alternative,” Garcia added.
Garcia is referring to the Cebu City Sports Center, where the Ritual Showdown is annually held.
“Even if moinit ni, dili na na ma-remedy ang sitwasyon,” she said.
(Even if the sun shines, the situation will not be remedied.)
As of 9 p.m. Thursday, Garcia has yet to receive word from Rama. She said she is hoping to get feedback soon so that she could give proper directions to her mayors.
Garcia said all the contingent’s efforts will not be put to waste if ever the province will back out as she assured them that they will still compete during the 50th Sinulog sa Carmen the following Sunday.
Rama has yet to give a statement on the matter. (JGS/ANV)