‘Only authorized bleachers along the Sinulog grand parade route’

CEBU, Philippines - With the Sinulog Grand Parade just two days away, the Cebu City is controlling the construction of bleachers along the carousel route, requiring permits and removing those built at the sidewalk without authority from the city.

Mayor Michael Rama has also ordered the Prevention, Restoration of Order, and Beautification Enhancement team to remove all obstructions, including private bleachers, stands, concrete barriers, steel railings, vendor stalls, that block the sidewalk of the streets used for the grand grand parade.

Cebu City Traffic Operations Management Operations head Jonathan Tumulak said that the city’s Probe, Department of Engineering and Public Works, Office of the Building Official, Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, among others, will conduct two clearing operations tomorrow to prepare for the solemn procession and the grand parade.

“Among tuyo is para sa security unya hamugaway ang mga tawo nga mo-agi sa rota,” he said, adding that private bleachers without permits will also be included in the city’s clearing operation.

“Gibawal ang pagbutang og bleachers sa sidewalk gawas lang kon pribado imong area.  Pero kun private pud siya mo-atras ka, dili i-obstruct ang sidewalk and mangayo og permit sa city government,” Tumulak said.

He said the first clearing operation will start at 10 a.m. on Saturday in preparation for the solemn procession of the Holy Child.

“Wagtangan ug kuhaon kutob sa makabara sa panan-aw sa tao ug maka-ali sa agi-anan sa tao, apil ang mga naay obstruction sa kadalanan, katong gipatakaag parking sa motor or mga sakyanan,” he said.

The operation would end at noon since the procession will start at 2 p.m.

The route for the solemn procession of the Holy Child is from the Basilica del Sto. Niño to Osmeña Boulevard, Fuente Osmeña Rotunda, Gen. Maxilom Avenue, New Imus Road, M.J. Cuenco Avenue, Osmeña Boulevard, P. Burgos Streets, then back to the Basilica.

The second round of clearing operation will start at 10 p.m. on Saturday in preparation for the grand parade the next day.  (FREEMAN)