By Eddie O. Barrita
CEBU CITY, Jan. 14 (PNA) — A total of 43 contingents for both Sinulog-Based and Free-Interpretation categories will compete in the much-awaited Sinulog Grand Parade in this city on Sunday, January 18.
Sinulog Foundation Inc. (SFI) executive director Ricky Ballesteros said they are satisfied with the number of dancing contingents this year as it increased to 43 from last year’s 36.
The number of out-of-town contingents also increased to nine from last year’s seven.
“I believe it increased because of the popularity it gained aside from the fact that the cash prizes are augmented,” Ballesteros said.
Other contingents have until Friday to register, said Ballesteros.
He said school-based contingents are qualified to receive the P150,000 cash assistance to subsidize some of their expenses.
Ballesteros said they might increase the subsidy to P200,000 next year.
“After we increased the grand prizes this year, we will focus and study on the augmentation of subsidy so the contingents can recoup some of their expenses next year knowing that each contingent’s expenses ballooned to P3 to P5 million,” he said.
The first place winners in the Sinulog-Based, Free Interpretation, and street dancing categories will receive P1 million each; second place, P700,000; third place, P500,000; fourth place, P300,000; and fifth place, P200,000.
Winners of special awards like Best in Costume and Best in Musicality will receive P100,000. (PNA)