Clearing of areas for Sinulog fete almost done

CEBU, Philippines — Approximately two days before the Sinulog Festival, the Committee on Infrastructure assessed that they are now 90% complete with their clearing operations around the parade route to ensure the safety of the spectators and the dancing contingents.

This is according to Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairman of the Committee on Infrastructure of the City Council, in an interview with reporters yesterday. According to him, the most critical route for the Sinulog Grand Parade is around P. Del Rosario Street.

“Ongoing atong patching, atong target nga ma-complete atong patching sa road is within today (Thursday), including other locations,” said Guardo.

Guardo added that by today, all patching works will be done just in time for the processions to begin. He also mentioned they already advised the Department of Public Works and Highways to cover the manholes in areas where drainage works are ongoing. He added that they are mainly focusing on the areas around P. Del Rosario, as this is the stretch that typically has a bottleneck of spectators.

He said they have also made sure that excavated portions will be properly covered. These works encompass clearing dangling wires, debris, and patching up roads.

Meanwhile, the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) will be deputizing at least four private towing companies for the strict implementation of traffic rules within the parade and procession route.

Despite the celebration of the biggest event in the city, the CCTO emphasized that there will be no suspension of traffic ordinances around the city, and these will be strictly enforced. This includes towing vehicles found parked parking in unauthorized areas, particularly near the parade route, which will be closed this Sunday.

To fully monitor this, CCTO assistant head Kent Jongoy said that last Wednesday, during the regular session, the council approved a resolution authorizing private towing companies to assist the CCTO in addressing vehicles obstructing the traffic flow. The approved resolution, he added, has officially deputized these private companies to tow.

He added that the resolution sought the help of the private companies, which will be deputized to tow any vehicles obstructing the parade and traffic flow. The CCTO also mentioned that the penalty will be determined by the private towing company.

“Depende sa ilang i-charge, if private,” said Jongoy.

However, Jongoy said that the CCTO still has its own tow truck. He added that since they cannot cover all areas, they need the help of the private companies.

But for the CCTO alone, Jongoy said that towed vehicles will have to pay a penalty of ?2,500 at the impounding area in South Road Properties.

He reminded the public to be mindful of the street signs to be aware of areas not allowed to be used as parking spaces.

“We highly encourage all those spectators and katong mga deboto og mahimo mo-parking sila sa mga commercial establishments,” said Jongoy.

Jongoy noted that for this year, the CCTO did not allocate parking spaces for spectators, adding that they mostly promote the pedestrian experience among the public since the sidewalks have mostly been paved, particularly on Osmeña Boulevard.

The event this Sunday comes with road closures around the vicinity of the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) and the area surrounding the parade route.

On or before 2 A.M. on January 19, the road closures will begin to pave the way for the assembly and props in preparation for the dancing contingents. These are the hours leading up to the Sinulog Grand Carousel Parade, which will begin near the exit of the CCSC.

The road closure will be from Osmeña Boulevard, from the corner of P. Del Rosario Street to Fuente Circle; Arlington Pond Street, and R. Landon Street, which consists of the area from the corner of Osmeña Boulevard. up to Junquera Extension.

On or before 5 A.M., the CCTO will implement full road closures on multiple streets around the parade route. The CCTO reminded the public that Colon Street will remain open to traffic for private vehicles.

Those that will be allowed access through these closed roads are emergency vehicles.  BRP (CEBU NEWS)