■ PASKO SA SUGBO TO BE HELD AT PLAZA INDEPENDENCIA

This year’s month-long Pasko sa Sugbo activities will be held at the Plaza Independencia, starting on Dec. 1, instead of at the Fuente Osmeña Circle. “Fuente is getting a lot crowded and traffic is also creating a physical risk to pedestrians. I think it’s about time we transfer it to the Plaza, which is a lot bigger. It’s also closer to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño,” said Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña. Councilor Margarita Osmeña, deputy mayor for tourism, said the City might deploy shuttle buses for spectators who wish to see the activities. The City Tourism Commission also plans to host Christmas-related activities at the Plaza, such as lantern-making contests. Among others.

The Cebu City Government will be holding this year’s Pasko sa Sugbo activities in a more practical venue.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña said that from it’s traditional venue at the Fuente Osmeña Circle, the month-long nightly activities will be staged at the Plaza Independencia starting Dec. 1.

“Fuente is getting a lot crowded and traffic is also creating a physical risk to pedestrians. I think it’s about time we transfer it to the Plaza, which is a lot bigger. It’s also closer to the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño,” he said.

Aside from the Pasko sa Sugbo, Osmeña is also considering transferring activities held at the Fuente Circle during the Sinulog celebration at the Plaza Independencia as well.

“The decision did not originate from me. It’s from the Parks and Playgrounds Commission because it was creating heavy damage. Other activities that will remain in Fuente is the giant Christmas tree,” he said.

In a separate interview, Councilor Margarita Osmeña, deputy mayor for tourism, said the City may deploy shuttle buses for spectators who wish to see the activities.

She said the City Tourism Commission is also planning to host Christmas-related activities at the Plaza, such as manger and lantern-making contests. /