Cebu City will not implement mobile signal jamming during the Sinulog Festival activities on January 18, 2026. The decision ensures continuous communication for the public, performers, media, and emergency teams throughout the celebration.
City Decision
Mayor Nestor Archival confirmed that the policy was finalized after coordination between the Cebu City Government, Sinulog Foundation Inc., and the Cebu City Police Office. The National Intelligence Coordinating Agency will still assess possible threats, but no security risks have been identified so far.
Purpose of Connectivity
Maintaining mobile signal access is seen as essential for faster coordination, public safety, and real-time coverage. The absence of signal restrictions will support emergency response, crowd management, and smooth festival operations.
Performance Guidelines
Organizers have banned the use of lighted and illuminated props during performances to keep visual balance and reduce distractions. Stricter rules will also apply to parade schedules, with contingents required to arrive at prepositioning areas before 7 a.m. to be allowed to participate.
Parade Management
To avoid delays, float entries will undergo pre-judging before the grand parade. This step ensures all floats meet competition standards before joining the official route, helping maintain orderly flow along the carousel route.
Security Measures
Around 10,000 police personnel will be deployed for crowd control, traffic regulation, maritime security, and emergency response. Intelligence coordination will be strengthened to safeguard devotees, tourists, and performers during the festivities.
Mandaue Preparations
In Mandaue City, traffic authorities are preparing for the Fiesta Señor and Traslacion activities. About 70 traffic personnel will manage routes, with temporary road closures only during convoy passage. A dry run is scheduled in early January to ensure smooth traffic flow.
Festival Significance
The Sinulog Festival remains one of the largest religious and cultural events in the country, drawing millions of visitors each year. With updated guidelines and continuous mobile access, the 2026 celebration aims to be safer, more organized, and more accessible to everyone.
