THE Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) received pile of complaints from the public due to traffic congestion that was experienced Saturday evening, December 22, wherein hundreds of motorists were stuck and commuters got stranded in different areas in southern and northern parts of the city.

In a statement posted in their Facebook page on Saturday evening, CTTMO asked the understanding of the public for the traffic build up which was caused by the heavy volume of traffic along with the Christmas season.

“We cannot please everybody, but the men and women of CTTMO are out there, rain or shine to perform their duties the best they can,” the statement read.

Commuters complained about lack of information on the road closure.

A Banda Dasig Parada, which is part of the Pasko Fiesta activities, caused the closure of major roads as approved through Resolution No. 02915-18 with its corresponding Ordinance No. 0661-18 and Resolution No. 02941-18 and Ordinance No. 0660-18 Series of 2018.

“This is the season of the year when the influx of shoppers, tourists and balikbayans are at its peak... mall wide sale that stretches up to midnight are happening simultaneously. Party places and restaurants are packed with reservations and accommodations, not to mention the heavy December rains,” the statement added.

Some 200 CTTMO field personnel were deployed along parade route and adjacent street excluding outside Central Business District. The parade started at 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., kicking off at Roxas Avenue and turning left to C.M. Recto Street then turning right to Bonifacio Street going to Pelayo Street and left turn to San Pedro Street.

“Rest assured that amidst the chaotic season in traffic, we are here to serve. We implore for your usual understanding and cooperation. Stay safe everyone and Merry Christmas,” the statement ended.

Some road closure will also be implemented in line with the Pasko Fiesta 2018 celebration. These include C.M. Recto Ave. corner San Pedro Sreet Bolton Street corner Rizal Street Ponciano Street corner Rizal Street; Pichon Street cor. Bolton St. for the Yugyugan sa Pasko on December 25 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.; Tugtugan sa Pasko on December 26 from 6 p.m. to 12 a.m.; and Torotot Festival on December 31 from 7 p.m. to 1 a.m.