City eyes temporary bus station at SRP

CEBU, Philippines — To accommodate the thousands of devotees and visitors at the Sinulog Festival, Cebu City is proposing to ease traffic congestion by requesting Governor Pamela Baricuatro to allow a temporary bus station at the South Road Properties (SRP) for southbound routes.

Cebu Councilor Dave Tumulak, who chairs the City s Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and is part of the Sinulog Executive Committee, told reporters that the Cebu South Bus Terminal will be closed on January 18 to make way for parking slots reserved for VIPs and elected officials.

Tumulak said, only ambulances, fire trucks, and VVIPs including the mayor, vice mayor, and visiting mayors will be allowed inside the Cebu City Sports Center, which will host the Sinulog grand event.

To manage the influx of devotees, 27 buses will begin operations as early as 5 a.m. on January 18, that s why the need for a bus station, said the councilor.

The city has tapped MyBus to ferry passengers from El Pardo within SRP to the National Museum of the Philippines, ensuring smoother access to the Basilica Minore del Santo Ni o and festival venues. A minimal fee will be collected, but it is still being finalized, Tumulak said.

Northbound buses will continue to operate at the North Bus Terminal, with a designated pickup point at SM City Cebu. Devotees are urged not to park near the Basilica to keep the roads clear for emergencies and to avoid traffic congestion.

Vehicles from the provinces are encouraged to park at designated malls SRP malls for those from the south, northern malls for those from the north where shuttle buses will bring them to Plaza Independencia and back.

Tumulak stressed that this arrangement anticipates not only heavy traffic but also possible emergencies or calamities, ensuring quick response and preventing stranded vehicles.

The Sinulog, celebrated every third Sunday of January, honors the Santo Ni o and is Cebu s most iconic cultural and religious festival.

Rooted in centuries of devotion, it blends solemn novena masses with vibrant street dancing and parades.

With the city bracing for a multitude, officials say the transport plan is meant to preserve both the spirit of the celebration and the safety of the people. (CEBU NEWS)