THE parish priest of the Archdiocesan Shrine of Our Lady of Lourdes (Lourdes Shrine) is happy that Barangay Punta Princesa and the Cebu City Government accepted their offer to open the church road to ease traffic.
Fr. Randolph “Randy” Figuracion of the Salesians of Don Bosco (SDB) said the church road will be accessible from E. Sabellano St. to F. Llamas St., traversing the grotto area, from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m. From 5 p.m. to 9 p.m., it will be accessible from F. Flamas to E. Sabellano.
The church road is open only during weekdays.
“This is our contribution to the public to ease the heavy traffic resulting in the suffering of both motorists and the commuters. We want to help the people,” Fr. Figuracion said.
The barangay is preparing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Cebu City Transportation Office that they will jointly manage traffic and provide security in the church vicinity.
The barangay and the City will also fix the church road if needed.
The Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) approved the church’s offer last Sunday and will ratify any MOA on March 18.
Northbound vehicles have been using the church road since last Monday.
However, Councilor Dave Tumulak, head of the committee on peace and order, said that motorcycles are not allowed to access the diversion route. He also reminded motorists not to blow their horns inside the compound.
Lourdes Shrine is located at the corner of E. Sabellano St. and F. Llamas St. The main crossing connects the four busy streets of E. Sabellano, F. Llamas, Katipunan and Tres de Abril.
Motorists will be allowed access to church grounds for the next three to four months, or until the affected area on N. Bacalso Ave. becomes passable again.
Tumulak said the new traffic system will decongest traffic for northbound vehicles, especially during the morning rush.
The councilor asked private car owners not to park their vehicles along the road to avoid obstructions.
“This is not the time to pinpoint who’s at fault (about the heavy traffic). This is time to see how you can assist, help and present solutions on traffic. I also encourage others to help,” Tumulak said.