THE Cebu City Transportation Office warns of vehicular traffic that’s heavier than the usual today, March 24, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., especially in roads linked to Osmeña Blvd.
The National Youth Day (NYD) 2019 opens today with a procession that starts at the Cebu City Sports Complex and proceeds to P. del Rosario St., Osmeña Blvd., F. Gonzales St., Magallanes St., then to Magellan’s Cross and will end at the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño.
CCTO Operations Chief Francisco Ouano said they are expecting 40,000 participants, and thus discouraging anyone with no urgent business in the area to avoid Osmeña Blvd. at least for the duration of the procession.
The CCTO will deploy 90 traffic enforcers for the occasion, while the Police Regional Office (PRO) 7 had placed the city under red alert, activating its intelligence groups in the field for close monitoring.
PRO 7 Chief Debold Sinas said there is no mobile phone signal shutdown since parents may need to contact the youth delegates while in Cebu. Sinas also assured there have been no adverse reports so far.
Vehicles coming from Lahug, Apas and Cebu Business Park, passing via N. Escario St. will have to skirt Osmeña Blvd. Through RR Landon St., Junquera St., Sanciangko St. and Pelaez St., in going to the downtown area.
Public utility jeepneys (PUJs) from the south via N. Bacalso Ave. may turn to Leon Kilat St., then to Magallanes St., and turn left to Borromeo St., and off to their usual route.
PUJs from Talamban may turn to D. Jakosalem St. and to their usual route.
V. Rama Ave. will be the route for vehicles from Banawa and Guadalupe.
With thousands of participants, the NYD 2019 poses a challenge for security and traffic management for Cebu City, this year’s host. It happens with a bit of anxiety that’s inspired by recent incidents where churches and places of worship are attacked elsewhere in the world.
Although a major one, the activity isn’t as large as the others that Cebu City is used to hosting and had managed fairly well.
Still, it needs the cooperation of every citizen to keep the City safe and efficient.