Fort, port roads opened

CEBU, Philippines - Due to the influx of a lot of vehicles going to the Basilica del Sto. Niño, the Cebu City government has opened at least two nearby roads to vehicular traffic starting yesterday.

The roads are available for motorists’ use until the end of the Sinulog activities on January 31 yet.

Mayor Michael Rama said he saw the need to improve traffic flow at the downtown area, where people are expected to gather by the hundreds.

“To decongest the area for a better flow of traffic,” Rama opened the road in front of Fort San Pedro.

When asked if there was authority from the Office of the President for City Hall to identify the Fort San Pedro road near Malacañang sa Sugbo for public use, Rama said he already notified Malacañang on the road opening.

“I was the one who ordered the road closure during the time of former president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo. I have informed the president to have it open,” he said.

Rama also ordered the opening of the road along Quezon Boulevard near the Compaña Maritima building to similarly unclog traffic.

Quezon Boulevard starts from corner F. Escaño Street at the back of Carbon Market, passing the back portion of the old Compaña Maritima, then to the old Bureau of Customs building up to the Pier 1 Pilot House. — Kristine B. Quintas/RHM