CEBU, Philippines — Preparations for the Traslacion of the image of the Santo Niño, as part of the Fiesta Señor 2026 celebrations, are now in full swing, with the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) set to deploy at least 70 traffic personnel to manage traffic and ensure public safety.
TEAM head Hyll Retuya said the city has already finalized its preparations for the Sinulog Traslacion after attending coordination meetings organized by the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño.
“We are already prepared. We will be deploying around 70 personnel on that day along our designated routes, particularly in areas where the convoy of the Santo Niño will pass,” Retuya said.
He added that traffic personnel will be positioned along key points of the Traslacion route to secure the convoy and ensure smooth traffic flow.
TEAM will also deploy patrol units and motorcycle riders upon the convoy’s entry into the city boundary.
Retuya said TEAM is also set to conduct a dry run during the first week of January to further fine-tune its operational plans.
Compared to last year, Retuya noted that preparations remain largely the same, with the addition of contingency measures in case of rain or flooding.
“There are no major changes from last year’s preparations, except that we now have contingency plans in case of heavy rain or flooding. If there are no such incidents, the route will remain the same,” he said.
He clarified that there will be no full road closures during the Traslacion.
Roads will only be temporarily closed while the convoy is passing and will be immediately reopened once the tail end of the procession has cleared the area.
The Traslacion route in Mandaue City will pass through Barangays Subangdaku and Tipolo before proceeding straight to the National Shrine of Saint Joseph in Barangay Centro.
Retuya expressed confidence that the city is on track with its preparations and assured the public of TEAM’s readiness to manage traffic during one of Cebu’s biggest religious events. — /IHM (FREEMAN)