Pasigarbo sa Sugbo out, Pasundayag sa Sugbo in?

Local

ORGANIZERS behind a social media post suggesting that Pasigarbo sa Sugbo could be renamed "Pasundayag sa Sugbo" under the new provincial administration have clarified that the proposal was merely an idea and not an official decision by the Cebu Provincial Government.

In a statement, Cebu Festivals said recent discussions surrounding a possible rebranding of the province’s flagship cultural festival stemmed from its own opinion on what the event could be called under the administration of Gov. Pam Baricuatro.

The group stated that neither the provincial government nor Baricuatro had announced any plans to replace Pasigarbo sa Sugbo with a new name.

“It's not an official announcement nor a confirmed decision from the Cebu Provincial Government or Governor Pam Baricuatro,” the statement read.

The clarification came after a social media post about the proposed name "Pasundayag sa Sugbo" generated widespread discussion among Cebuanos.

Some also interpreted it as an indication that the long-running festival would undergo a major rebranding.

Even Baricuatro, in a comment, welcomed the idea of having the Pasundayag sa Sugbo.

“Why not??? It crossed my mind bya! Nice ni nga name ha? Pasundayag sa Sugbo. Let's showcase the Cebu Festival winners per district lang cguro para dili maabtan ug kadlawon?” Baricuatro said.

Cebu Festivals said any potential changes to the event, should they occur in the future, should not be viewed as an attempt to diminish the legacy of previous administrations.

According to the group, every administration has its own priorities, programs and identity, while continuing to build on existing initiatives and traditions.

The statement also addressed criticism from some sectors that public funds should be focused solely on healthcare and hospital services rather than cultural celebrations.

Cebu Festivals further argued that investments in healthcare, tourism and culture need not compete with one another.

The group also noted that Baricuatro has repeatedly identified healthcare improvements as a key priority and pointed to ongoing efforts to strengthen provincial-run hospitals and health services across Cebu.

However, it said governance also requires support for multiple sectors, including tourism, culture and the creative economy.

“Governance is not about choosing only one sector to support while neglecting the others,” the statement said.

They likewise highlighted the economic benefits generated by large-scale cultural events such as Pasigarbo sa Sugbo, which gathers contingents from Cebu’s cities and municipalities in a showcase of local culture and traditions.

“Whether it remains Pasigarbo sa Sugbo or becomes Pasundayag sa Sugbo,” the statement said, “festivals like these remind us that we are all part of one Cebu.”(RBE)