Capitol suspends work for IEC Mass

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu provincial government has declared no work at the Capitol on Friday to give way for the preparation of the Holy Mass as part of the activities of the 51st International Eucharistic Congress.

The Capitol announced the suspension of office transactions on its Facebook and Twitter accounts.

The public was also reminded of the road closures because of the Eucharistic celebration to be held at the Capitol grounds in the afternoon on Friday.

Provincial information officer Ethel Natera said the Osmeña Boulevard going to Fuente Osmeña, Escario Street, and Don Gil Garcia Street will be closed to traffic starting at 1 a.m. tomorrow until 12 midnight on the following day.

She explained that the early road closure would allow physical setup for the event such as putting up chairs on the streets.

Motorists are advised to take alternative routes on that day. Those coming from the northern part of the city going to the southern area may access Gorordo, General Maxilom Avenue, B. Rodriguez, M.J. Cuenco, Imus New Road to N. Bacalso.

The SRP tunnel and the South Coastal Road can also be accessed but are open for light vehicles only. For those going to north from south, they may take V. Rama, B. Rodriguez or N. Bacalso Avenue.

The Mass is scheduled to start at 4 p.m. tomorrow. It is expected to draw around 30,000 faithfuls. Capitol will provide medical tents with the support of the provincial and district hospitals and non-government organizations.

The Provincial Health Office will also mount a mobile hospital to be manned by doctors and nurses in front of the Capitol building to address any medical emergencies.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, on the other hand, will take charge of emergency responses.

“Security will also be very strict at that time,” Natera said.

PDRRMO Chief Baltazar Tribunalo Jr. said they are now ready for the event.

“Mao ni ang atoa, nag-assign ta’g health emergency responders, ato gi-ensure nga order na ang tanan,” he said.

 He said there are about 500 augmented health responders from PNP, AFP and Red Cross.— (FREEMAN)