The Department of Tourism Central Visayas (DOT 7), Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), and other private companies will spearhead once more the “Balik Cebu” program, an annual event in line with the Sinulog Festival.

The “Balik Cebu” will welcome “balikbayans” and tourists (domestic and international) who will arrive via the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) for the 460th Fiesta Señor and Sinulog 2025 festivities.

Balikbayans include overseas Filipinos (OFWs) and returning Cebuanos.

The program will start on January 16, 2025, for guests on board five flights.

The guests are set to experience a grand welcome such as the traditional “harana” (serenade) highlighting songs with the Santo Niño and the Sinulog Festival for themes.

Over a thousand passengers are expected on the five flights, but additional flights are expected, according to Judy Gabato, director of DOT 7, and Mary Ann Dimabayao, chief of the Public Affairs Office of the MCIAA.

The MCIA is on heightened alert with the influx of passengers that will enter Cebu for the Sinulog Festival.

"Oplan Ligtas Byahe" and Help Desks will be mounted to assist travelers arriving and departing the airport.