Archival Raises Safety Concerns Along Sinulog 2026 Parade Route

Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival has raised safety concerns along the planned route of the Sinulog 2026 Grand Parade, citing infrastructure-related hazards that could pose risks to both performers and spectators during one of the city’s largest annual events.

On Monday, Dec. 22, 2025, Archival announced the findings following a walk-through inspection conducted last week of the traditional Sinulog parade route.

The inspection covered major thoroughfares including N. Bacalso Avenue, P. del Rosario Street, Imus Avenue, General Maxilom Avenue, Fuente Osmeña Circle, and Osmeña Boulevard, before looping back to the Cebu City Sports Center.

According to the mayor, three major issues emerged during the inspection: flood-prone streets, inadequate or non-functioning street lighting, and physical obstructions along sidewalks. These concerns, he said, must be addressed immediately to ensure public safety during the festivities.

Archival said several portions of the parade route showed signs of “ponding water,” referring to the unwanted accumulation of water on flat or low-slope surfaces.

He identified clogged and flood-prone gutters as areas of concern, particularly if rainfall occurs during the festivities.

The mayor warned that overflowing drainage systems could disrupt the parade and increase the risk of accidents for performers and spectators alike.

In addition to drainage problems, the city also noted insufficient lighting in certain sections of the route.

Some streetlights were found to be dim or non-operational, a situation that Archival said raises “safety concerns for both performers and spectators,” especially as Sinulog activities often extend into the evening.

The mayor also flagged various obstructions along sidewalks and roadways, including fixtures and structures that could restrict pedestrian flow.

These obstacles, he said, may “hinder pedestrian movement and delay emergency response” if left unaddressed during the event, when crowd density is expected to be high.

Another complicating factor for Sinulog 2026 is the ongoing Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project, particularly along Osmeña Boulevard from Fuente Osmeña Circle to Abellana National School.

While the BRT system is not yet operational, the presence of station structures along the route presents additional challenges for crowd management and security planning.

Archival emphasized the need for “heightened coordination” in areas near BRT stations, noting that these structures could become congestion points or be damaged by the volume of people expected during the festivities.

The situation is especially critical during the solemn procession scheduled on Saturday, Jan. 17, the eve of the Fiesta Señor, as well as during the grand parade on Sunday, Jan. 18.

City officials are also preparing for a potentially larger Sinulog celebration than initially anticipated.

Archival said the number of participating contingents could reach up to 40, an increase from earlier projections of 36 groups. Final figures are still subject to approval by the Sinulog Foundation Inc. and the Cebu City Government.

To better manage the expected crowds, Archival said the city is targeting an earlier conclusion to the grand parade, aiming to end activities by 8 p.m.

He said the move is intended “to help manage crowds and improve security,” reducing the risks associated with late-night congestion along the parade route.

With only weeks remaining before the festival, the mayor acknowledged that the window for repairs and preparations is narrowing.

He said that once the Christmas and New Year celebrations conclude, the city will shift its “full focus and resources” toward Sinulog preparations.

City engineering, drainage, and lighting teams are expected to carry out repair and maintenance work in the coming weeks to address the identified hazards.

At the same time, Archival said the city is considering stricter enforcement measures to remove obstructions along sidewalks and roadways to ensure clear passage for pedestrians and emergency responders.

Despite the challenges, city officials remain committed to hosting a safe and orderly Sinulog celebration.

Archival said the goal is to balance the preservation of the festival’s cultural significance with the practical demands of ensuring public safety amid Cebu City’s evolving urban landscape.