Fewer bleachers at Grand Parade route

CEBU, Philippines - There will be fewer bleachers that will be put up at the carousel route during the Sinulog Grand Parade on January 19, particularly at the Fuente Osmeña circle and along General Maxilom Avenue.

Councilor Dave Tumulak explained there are areas where bleachers could no longer be put up for safety reasons, as identified by the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office. The DRRMC conducted the assessment since last month.

“Safety gyud atong ihatag nila. Dunay mga areas nga dili pwede butangan kay nag-assess na ang taga Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (Safety is what we will give them. There are areas where bleachers are now safe to be put up as identified by the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office,” Tumulak said.

“Nag-anticipate man ta nga simbako og daghan taw mag-stampid unya, so safe gyud atong main concern (We see that a stampede is very likely to happen especially if there are too many people),” he said.

To regulate the putting up of bleachers, private companies and members of the Cebu Contractors Association whose representatives attended the meeting with the city yesterday will be prioritized. These companies and contractors will be securing a permit from the city.

“Walay bayad ang pagbutang sa bleachers pero gi-regulate gyud nato ang stability, integrity sa ilang structures (Putting up of the bleachers is for free but we have to regulate to ensure stability, integrity of the structure),” Tumulak said.

The bleachers will be put up a week before the grand parade to give enough time for thorough inspection. Sound systems will also be installed in areas where there are bleachers to make it easier to disseminate important announcements.

“Ang mga private sector as part of their contribution ilang i-announce (It is part of the private sector’s contribution to make announcements),” he said. –/JMO (FREEMAN)