Kadaugan sa Mactan to be kept away from city streets

CEBU, Philippines - For the second time, there will be no party in the streets of Lapu-Lapu City during the Kadaugan sa Mactan this year; instead, “isolated venues” such as the auditorium in Barangay Poblacion, City Hall, and Hoops Dome grounds would be utilized.

Acting Vice Mayor Harry Radaza said in a press conference that they are not closing any roads to give way for the city’s yearly event as they are looking after the convenience, safety and security of the Oponganons especially with the recent bombing in Davao City and in Hilongos, Leyte.

“There’s a big chance nga dili nato sirad-on ang dan unya ato lang gi-contain ang atong  activities within close premises lang sama sa Hoops Dome, sama sa City Hall grounds, sama sa posible sa ilawom sa bridge ngadto sa MEPZA (soccer field), ngadto sa (barangay) Poblacion nga basketan ug auditorium. Daghan kaayo ta?g venues nga…dili nato masirad-ad ang dan for traffic purposes,” he told reporters.

He, however, said that the yearly food festival will still be at the Liberty Shrine in Barangay Mactan.

Last year, the city government did not push through with the street party along Manuel L. Quezon Road, specifically from the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge to the Marcelo Fernan Bridge after the Department of Public Works and Highways rehabilitated the old bridge (Mandaue-Mactan Bridge).

The city instead celebrated the event at the Hoops Dome, City Hall grounds, and under the bridge to allow unhampered use of the road by motorists.

The last time the city government took the celebration the streets was in 2014 after starting it in 2011.

Asked if he is in favor of shutting down cell sites like what was done during the Sinulog in Cebu City, Radaza said, “I hope not.”

He was confident that the Lapu-Lapu City Police Office would be able to secure the weeklong activities of Kadaugan sa Mactan.

As of now, he said, discussions and coordination meetings for the event were being held.

As to the budget for the celebration, he said the city’s budget last year was around P4 million and they aim to stick to the same amount for this year.

“We are aiming to stay on that range,” he said. (FREEMAN)