Sound systems to be banned near Fuente

CEBU, Philippines - Establishments surrounding the Fuente Osmeña Circle will not be allowed to have their own blaring sound systems during the grand mardi gras this Sunday, Jan. 16.

In a meeting with officers from the various businesses near Fuente, Mayor Michael Rama said the loud sounds coming from the establishments would interrupt the beat that dancers of the mardi gras would be using.

For the first time, the parade route would go all the way around the Fuente rotunda instead of the previous years’ set-up where the contingents will turn left near the Robinsons Dept. Store.

Yesterday’s meeting held at the Rajah Park Hotel was meant to brief the different establishments surrounding the rotunda, a part of the five-kilometer carousel route.

The rotunda has always been where people converged to rest and eat during the Sinulog celebration.

Other concerns were also raised during the meeting, such as against an advertisement of a bread that was blocking the public urinals. Establishments were also asked to make sure the public could have free use of their comfort rooms.

Moreover, the businesses were asked to help the volunteers by offering drinking water and other needs as part of their corporate social responsibility.

Rama also requested the establishments’ security guards to help in enforcing peace and order inside and outside their respective jurisdictions.

The Mango Avenue, the Fuente Osmeña Rotunda, the Osmeña Blvd. and B. Rodriguez will be closed during the parade but will be opened for emergency use.

“If there is oneness, there is togetherness. Let us all enjoy the Sinulog celebration,” Rama said.   (FREEMAN NEWS)