BRACE for heavier traffic in Cebu City on Friday (June 12), the City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) warned the public, particularly those who will visit the City as the country commemorates the 117th Independence Day.
Citom Operations Chief Jonathan Tumulak said several activities organized by the City Government will be done for the holiday, which could result in traffic congestion.
Though it will be a national holiday, motorists are still expected in the City since most of the business establishments are here, said Tumulak.
From 2 p.m., a portion of Escario St., Osmeña Blvd. and Colon St., going to Plaza Independencia will be closed to traffic for the civic military parade, which will be the highlight of the Independence Day celebration.
The parade will start at 4 p.m., but roads will be closed earlier to give enough time for the participants to assemble in the area.
Citom will close the portion of Escario St., from the corner of Don Gil Garcia St., to Juana Osmeña St., right side of Osmeña Blvd. from the Cebu Provincial Capitol, passing by Sanciangko St., Colon St., M. J. Cuenco St., MC Briones St., to Legazpi Ext.
Tumulak said public utility jeepneys (PUJ), which will pass by the parade route, will have to shorten their routes and take alternative roads.
PUJ’s from Barangay Gualupe that are going to the downtown area will have to access V. Rama Ave., while those from Barangay Lahug and Apas will have to pass by Gorordo Ave., right turn to F. Ramos St., proceed to Junquera St., and right turn to Sanciangko St. towards the downtown area.
Those that are bound for the south and north are asked to access the South Road Properties (SRP).
Run, concert
The civic military parade is expected to draw more than 10,000 participants from City Hall and other stakeholders, such as the schools, military and police.
“Ablihan nato og balik dayon ang portion sa dalan kung asa ang pinaka-last nga participant sa parade aron magamit sa mga motorists (We’ll open portions of the road right away once the tail of the parade had passed),” Tumulak said.
Around 100 personnel from Citom will be deployed to supervise the traffic along the parade route and nearby roads.
Aside from the parade, the Solidarity Run will also be held in the morning, which would start at the Block 27 at the North Reclamation Area towards Plaza Independencia.
A concert during the night will also be held at SRP.
“Though minimal ra nga traffic ang ma-contribute aning duha ka activities kay morning man ug evening, but it will still contribute to congestion,” Tumulak said.