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President declares Sinulog 2006 open

Posted on January 9, 2006

President Arroyo became part of the Sinulogï¿½s history yesterday when she officially declared the Sinulog 2006 open, the first time a Philippine president did so in the festivalï¿½s 26 years.

But she also had to listen to a sermon on self-renewal, the need for reconciliation in addressing the countryï¿½s problems and a call to revere what a priest called the ï¿½Pinoy Small Brother.ï¿½

Cebu City Vice Mayor Michael Rama said that since the President was present during the mass, the Sinulog Foundation officials decided to give her the opportunity to declare the start of the Sinulog festivities for this year, at the Basilica del Sto. Niï¿½o Pilgrim Center.

The Sinulog Foundation chairman, in this case Rama, declares the official opening of the festivities every year, if protocol is to be followed.

ï¿½It is not only the first time that the president of the Philippines attended the opening ceremonies, it is also the first time that a president declared the event open,ï¿½ Rama told Sun.Star Cebu.

Arroyo, dressed in blue pants and black Sinulog shirt, greeted the cheering crowd who waved images of the Sto. Niï¿½o to be blessed with holy water by the priests.

ï¿½I now declare Sinulog 2006 open!ï¿½ she said.

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