CCTO all set for IEC event

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Transportation Office is preparing for the worst as it anticipates heavy traffic during the eight-day international religious gathering to be hosted by the city next month.

CCTO operations head Jonathan Tumulak said that city’s traffic body continues to improve the traffic management scheme to ensure an orderly and smooth flow of vehicles during the International Eucharistic Congress where 15,000 local and foreign delegates are expected to attend.

“CCTO is now prepared but we are still refining the traffic plan. We are coordinating our plans with IEC (organizers). We still have to hold series of meetings with representatives of church officials for IEC,” said Tumulak.

The event organizers, including Church officials and city government, are concerned about the traffic problem foreseen at the IEC venues. CCTO has warned motorists and commuters of the expected busy streets starting from December 15, leading to Christmas Day, until the closing date of the IEC on January 31.

Tumulak urged car owners to cooperate by checking their vehicles before hitting the road, especially during the duration of the IEC. He said that disabled vehicles on the road will surely contribute to traffic congestion.

He also admitted that road traffic remains a challenge to them considering that the volume of vehicles and visiting individuals increase every year and the roads stay the same. He said the public should be aware of the traffic situation and encouraged them to schedule and plan their travel.

Tumulak also encouraged the public to visit CCTO’s official Facebook account for traffic updates and advisory. On January 24, CCTO will close the roads near Plaza Independencia for the IEC opening mass.

On January 27, there will be Visita Iglesia (or Seven Churches Visitation) to be participated by two groups of clustered churches. The event will affect D. Jakosalem Street, M.C. Briones Street, Legaspi Street, P. Burgos Street, and P. Del Rosario Street because of the foot procession.

On January 28, at least 500 indigent children are expected to be among the first communicants at the Cebu City Sports Center. Roads at the vicinity of the CCSC will be closed.

On January 29, portion of the roads near the Capitol will be closed starting at 1 a.m. for another mass to be followed by a procession.

On January 30, there will be “parish encounter” to be attended by 14 churches in the city wherein every delegation will have its designated church.

Tumulak said they will have a separate meeting with the representatives of each parish and concerned barangay officials because of its expected effect to traffic.

On January 31, delegates will gather at the Chapel of San Pedro Calungsod at South Road Properties for the closing program.  (FREEMAN)