Mandaue roads to close for fiesta

CEBU, Philippines - In line with the fiesta celebration in Mandaue City, the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue is implementing a two-day road closure within the vicinity of the City Hall and the National Shrine of St. Joseph.

TEAM director Retired Major Erwin Ermac said they have to close some city roads as these are venues of the religious and cultural activities of the fiesta celebration.

Road closure will start at 6 p.m. today for the procession and the routes affected will be from S.B. Cabahug Street, L. Sanchez Street, Burgos Street and Gomez Street.

Once the procession will be back to the National Shrine, Ermac said the roads will immediately be opened to the public.

However, on May 8, which is day of the fiesta, road closure will be for the whole day starting 6 a.m.

The road closure will start at Colegio de Inmaculada which is on A. Del Rosario Street corner A.C. Cortes Street leading to SB Cabahug Street.

Other roads that will also be closed are Burgos Street corner Gomez Street, Zamora Street, Ceniza Street and C. Ouano Street.

"No entry" sign will be put up near the Bureau of Immigration and Deportation on Burgos Street and another sign will be put up at the Mandaue City Central School on C. Ouano Street corner Plaridel Street, as well as on C. Ouano corner Burgos Streets.

The designated parking area during the fiesta celebration will be the old Mandaue City public market.

Both the city park and the Landbank edifice, which used to be a parking area, is no longer allowed for parking during the fiesta  because an ongoing trade fair, while most people are also seen to spend time at the church.

"Di gyud ta magpasud og mga sakyanan gumikan sa kadaghan og activities atol sa fiesta unya magpataka na lang dayon og parking ang mamistahay, ug kinahanglan sad nga close ang traffic kay kadtong dili mamistahay anha na sad unya moagi gumikan sa ka-traffic sa dan," said Ermac.

Designated routes will be M.C. Briones national highway for those going to Lapu-Lapu City.

Vendors are also not allowed to sell their goods in front of church as their designated area will be at W. Seno Street near the Cebu International Convention Center. — (FREEMAN)