Mandaue readying for Sinulog events

CEBU, Philippines — The Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) is gearing up for the upcoming Sinulog Festival and Fiesta Señor, with the city being part of the annual Traslacion.

TEAM department head Hyll Retuya said that at least 80 to 100 personnel will be deployed to manage traffic along key routes, critical areas, and entry points in Mandaue City.

Traslacion is the traditional motorcade that transports the images of the Señor Santo Niño de Cebu and the Virgen de Guadalupe de Cebu from Cebu City to the National Shrine and Parish of Saint Joseph in Mandaue City as part of the Fiesta Señor celebration.

“Karon subsob na atong mga preparasyon nga gihimo para sa Sinulog ug sa kaning pagahimuon nga Traslacion,” Retuya told reporters yesterday.

The Traslacion, held on the ninth day of the Novena Masses, is set for January 17, 2025, as part of the festivities marking the 460th Fiesta Señor celebration.

As part of the preparation, Retuya said they will have a meeting with the Police Regional Office-7.

In the coming days, the TEAM will also conduct a series of coordination meetings with the Mandaue City Police Office, the force multipliers, and other concerned agencies involved in the Traslacion.

“Involved baya kaayo ang Mandaue kay the fact nga mobisita ang Sto. Nino it entails a lot of preparation,” said Retuya.

He said one of the matters they will discuss and prepare is the management of traffic, especially since a large crowd is expected on that day.

Retuya also said that a contingency plan has been prepared in case it rains on that day, and a possible rerouting of the Traslacion may be implemented if necessary.

The department head also shared that their mobile assets have been trained since December in coordination with the Highway Patrol Group Tiger Unit ahead of the Traslacion.

A week prior to the event, a run-through will be conducted to ensure seamless coordination and readiness.

Meanwhile, Retuya advised motorists who pass through Mandaue City to follow traffic rules and to remain calm, especially with the influx of people as Sinulog approaches.

Retuya said that by that time, it is expected that the volume of vehicles will increase as people head to the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño or visit malls, with the Sinulog festivities underway and many activities already taking place.

As the Sinulog festivities approach, Retuya advised travelers to travel early to avoid the rush hour and the expected influx of people in the road. He also urged motorists to stay calm while driving to prevent adding to road rage incidents.

“Kahibaw naman ta og mga unsang orasa ang volume sa traffic kung maabtan g’yud gani ana pabilin lang nga calm nga dili lang ipasulabi ang kainit sa ulo,” said Retuya. — (FREEMAN)