Heavy traffic expected in downtown area today

Heavy traffic is expected along Osmeña Boulevard going to Plaza Independencia today as several cause-oriented groups from different areas of the country will hold their summit.

City Councilor Dave Tumulak, deputy mayor for police matters, said there are at least 4,000 members of different groups that will converge at 7 a.m. at Sto. Rosario Parish and they will march going to Plaza Independencia an hour later.

“Ang tanang mga mag-uuma gikan sa Negros, sa Bohol, sa Leyte, mag-converge sila dinha sa Sto. Rosario ug mag-parade sila sa Plaza Independencia para ni sa ilang summit,” he said.

Tumulak said he was informed that the group will be doing a press briefing at Plaza Independencia where they will hold a camp orientation, cultural and solidarity, among other activities.

He said the city will not prevent the groups from doing their activities for as long as the groups will ensure a peaceful holding of its meeting.

Tumulak said the city will be deploying 15 Kaoshiung buses anytime tomorrow, if there will be passengers affected by the activities, especially in the downtown area.

He said he has coordinated with the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) for the city’s efforts in alleviating the impact of the traffic flow, especially that thousands of people will be out on the streets.

Sought for comment, CCTO Operations Chief Francisco Ouano said his office will be deploying at least 90 enforcers from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. to areas that are affected.

Another group of 90 traffic enforcers will be deployed from 2 p.m. to 10 p.m.

“Nangandam pod ta aning kalihukan ugma (today) para dili makaapekto sa atong dagan sa trapiko ilabi na nga naa nay klase,” he said.

The CCTO will not implement any road closures and re-routing for today’s activity.

However, Ouano said his office will monitor the activity and possibly implement re-routing, if the need arises.

With this, Ouano urged the public to leave their houses early especially if their destination is in the downtown area of the city.

“Mas maayong magplano nalang daan sa lakaw para dili gyod maapektohan sa trapiko. Hopefully, mahuman ra ilang activity sa buntag para dili ra makaapekto sa trapiko inig hapon nga manggawas na ang mga trabahante ug estudyante,” he said.