Capitol gives P3-M aid

Layers of ruffles are part of a Spanish-inspired gown for Gov. Gwen Garcia when she dances the Sinulog again in Sunday’s parade.

She showed a sketch of the costume by Cebuano couture designer Carie Santiago yesterday after handing over a P3-million check as financial assistance of the provincial government to the Sinulog Foundation.

Foundation Executive Director, Ricky Ballesteros, who received the check,  said he and a fellow trustee were the one who suggested that Governor Garcia lead Argao town’s La Torta Festival contingent.

“My number one choice was La Torta, together with Ma’am Dolly (Suzara). Being a señorita really fits her personality, he said.

Argao’s “torta,” a heavy cake made of egg yolk, flour and pork lard is a delicacy and favorite pasalubong item of the southern Cebu town.

It will be the governor’s eight year to dance in the Sinulog with a municipality’s festival contingent.

She will dance once in the morning and another round in the evening.

Garcia said she would also attend the fluvial procession at 7 a.m. Saturday, riding on board the vessel of the Cebu city government on the invitation of Mayor Michael Rama.

This will be a “representation of unity” among government officials in the city and province, she said, aside from the P3-million assistance to be used for various Sinulog festival events.

The governor said she would attend, along with some town mayors, the solemn foot procession of the miraculous image of the Sto. Niño, which kicks off 1:30 p.m. from the Sto. Niño basilica down major streets of Cebu City.

It will be her first time to join this religious event. /Correspondents Andrea Pateña, Carmel Loiuse Matus