Governor Baricuatro Honored with Sto. Niño Icons, Sinulog Dance Teased

The spirit of deep Cebuano faith and tradition was on full display as Governor Pamela Baricuatro received cherished gifts from the municipality of Minglanilla.

The Governor was presented with a magnificent, hand-embroidered icon of the Holy Child, Sr. Sto. Niño, by Melit Pantonial, a local Minglanilla entrepreneur celebrated for the exquisite quality of her religious embroidery. Governor Baricuatro, clearly touched by the artistry and the personal significance of the gift, offered a heartfelt hug in gratitude to Pantonial.

Following this, the Minglanilla local government, through Town Tourism Officer Kaye Candice Alicaya, presented a smaller, companion icon of the Holy Child. The exchange took a playful turn when Alicaya suggested the Governor might want to carry the small icon if she decided to perform the Sinulog dance at the 2026 festival.

Governor Baricuatro’s cheerful, immediate reply—“Nah, mapugos na gyud ko’g sayaw ani sa Sinulog” (Now I'll truly be forced to dance in the Sinulog)—delighted everyone present. Her comment was taken as an exciting, though informal, hint that the Governor might yet join the province's largest cultural and religious celebration.

The presentation reaffirmed the enduring tradition of honoring the Sto. Niño and the strong bond between the Provincial Capitol and the LGU of Minglanilla.

(Photos from the Official Facebook Page of Cebu Province)