Less traffic in the city expected during Holy Week

CEBU, Philippines —  The same as the previous years, the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) did not expect heavy traffic in the city during the Lenten season.

CCTO operations chief Francisco Ouano said most residents are going to their respective provinces and with this, lesser vehicles will be seen running on the streets of the city.

"Kibaw ta nga daghan kaayong out of town nga mga tawo. Ang uban dili sad mogawas sa ilahang balay. Expected nato, like last year or the other years, ana gyud na," Ouano told The FREEMAN. (Most residents are going out of town while others will opt to stay at home.  This is expected like in the past year.)

However, he said they will be monitoring the traffic situation in areas near the churches and Stations of the Cross including the one in Banawa, Barangay Guadalupe.

"Ang atong gitutokan ang mga kalbaryo nga stations of the cross. Kining sa Banawa, ngari sa Carmelite. Isa sad sa atoang gitan-aw ang processions," Ouano said. (We are giving focus on the Station of the Cross in Banawa and also the processions.)

He said there will be no total road closure during processions since the activities will not cause heavy traffic.

There are over 400 traffic aides deployed in various areas to monitor the traffic flow.

Since last week, the traffic enforcers are on full force as they are not allowed to take vacation leave.

Ouano advised the drivers to follow traffic rules so that they will not be slapped with a fine based on their violations.

"Even during Holy Week, let us follow traffic rules because our enforcers will still issue citation tickets," he said. — MBG (FREEMAN)