CCTO to close road for solemn procession

CEBU, Philippines — Motorists and commuters are urged to leave their houses early tomorrow, Sunday, as the rightmost downtown-bound lane of Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City will be closed to vehicular traffic for the solemn procession.

Francisco Ouano, operations chief of Cebu City Transportation Office, said the closure will start at 2 p.m.

“Palayo lang sa route ug dili pataka og park kay mo clamp gyud ta. Pahimangno nato nila nga mosabot lang sila sa sitwasyon kay halad na sa Ginoo nga prosesyon. Sayo lang sila og lakaw para dili maabtan sa closure,” he told reporters.

On November 25, Catholics will celebrate the Feast of Christ the King which is one of the biggest celebrations in honor of Jesus Christ as the creator.

With the holding of Solemn Procession, thousands are expected to participate, thus, the road closure. The procession will end at Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral where a Mass is expected to be held.

Ouano said the closure will not directly affect the traffic situation since there is no congestion usually on Sundays. At least 60 traffic personnel will also be deployed to assist motorists and commuters on Sunday, he said.

Ouano said some public utility jeepneys plying along the route will be re-routed. The routes from Banawa and Guadalupe will be rerouted to V. Rama Ave., turn left to J. Alcantara St. or at N. Bacalso Ave. (except 06A and 07A), right turn to Leon Kilat St., left turn to Magallanes St., left turn to Borromeo St., left turn to Sanciangko St., right turn to Panganiban St., left turn to N. Bacalso Ave.,  right turn to V. Rama Ave., to their usual route, then to their point of origin.

Also, jeepneys from Barangays Lahug, Apas and Plaza Housing passing along Gorordo Ave., shall follow the usual route in going to downtown area.

PUJs from the south are advised to take Leon Kilat St., left turn to Magallanes St., right turn to D. Jakosalem St., left turn to M.C. Briones St., left turn to M.J. Cuenco Ave., to their usual route, then to their point of destination.

PUJs from Barangay Mabolo and City of Mandaue will traverse along V. Gullas St., then turn left to P. Burgos St., left turn to Urdaneta St., left turn to M.J. Cuenco Ave., to their usual route, then to their destination.

Ouano said original routes of the affected PUJs will resume after the procession. — FPL (FREEMAN)