CULTURAL activities are not part of the list of programs that can be funded by Cebu City’s share of the Pagcor funds under its new rules, said Rep. Tomas Osmeña of Cebu City’s south district.
He defended his wife, Councilor Margot Osmeña, from Mayor Michael Rama’s criticism that she blocked the release of P3 million request of the Lumad Basakanon troupe for their participaton in the Aliwan Festival next week.
Without the P3 million, the Basakanons opted to back out from the competition.
Margot, head of the the council’s budget committee, said Pagcor funds can’t be used for the Sinulog dance troupes travel , adding that travel should be charged to another city government fund source.
“Apparently Mike Rama does not know how to read English,” Rep. Osmeña said.
The congressman referred to a Sept. 19 Pagcor guideline issued by Pagcor chairman Cristino Naguiat Jr.
The guideline mentions health care, self-sustainable livelihood projects, scholarships, and infrastructure projects as valid beneficiaires of Pagcor’s donated fund to a host local government unit (LGU).
“Pagcor has issued sets of guidelines on the use of their funds . Cultural activities (like the Aliwan festival) are not part of it. I challenge him (Rama) to prove otherwise,” he said.
Osmeña said the Lumad Basakanon troupe’s Aliwan travel was not the only request which the City Council turned down.
The budget request for P475,000 to sponsor the Buhing Kalbaryo passion play on Good Friday was not released due to questions raised by the council on whether the play is covered by the Pagcor guidelines.
Rep. Osmeña said the use of Pagcor funds to finance the Buwad festival of barangay San Nicolas and the manga festival of barangay Kalunsan were not allowed by the council.
He said it will not hurt Cebu CIty if the LUmad Basakanons aren’t able to compete in the Aliwan Festival since they “don’t represent the city” and didn’t win first place in this year’s Sinulog. The Basakanons won second place in the Free Interpretation category. Chief of Reporters