Good news for those travelling to and from southern Cebu during the Sinulog 2025 Grand Parade on January 19.
The Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) will remain operational during the Sinulog Sunday despite expected road closures around the venue because of the street dancing competition and its proximity to the Cebu City Sports Centre, venue of the grand ritual showdown competition.
While a stretch of Natalio Bacalso Avenue in front of the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) and the CSBT will be closed off to private vehicles for the parade, buses traveling to and from the bus terminal will be exempted, as announced by the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO).
The special arrangement ensures that buses can continue their operations, both entering and exiting the terminal without disruption.
CCTO officials met with local authorities and bus operators to iron out the logistics and traffic management. Present at the meeting were Glen Galario, Regional Director of the Land Transportation Office (LTO); Eduardo Montealto, Regional Director of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB); Jun Ortiz, Cebu City Legal Officer; and various bus operators based at the CSBT.
During the meeting, CCTO emphasized the need for bus drivers to observe traffic discipline, particularly with regard to the prohibition of picking up or dropping off passengers outside the CSBT premises to avoid congestion.
“We have agreed on a system to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent additional disruptions outside the terminal,” said Pastor “Jongjong” Alcover II, Head of the Public Mass Transport Division of the CCTO.
“Apprehending violators could take too long and worsen the traffic situation. Instead, enforcers will take pictures of violators, which will be submitted to the LTO and the LTFRB for a show-cause order,” he added.
Emergency vehicles, particularly ambulances heading to the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC), will also be exempt from road closures to ensure that medical emergencies may be responded to promptly.
The authorities also reminded bus operators to comply with regulations regarding overloading. Both the LTO and LTFRB advised bus operators to maintain safe passenger limits during the Sinulog festivities.
Governor Gwen Garcia also weighed in on the issue, stressing the importance of safety for all commuters.
“Dili gyud pwede overloaded outside the terminal,” Governor Garcia said, reiterating the importance of adhering to regulations to ensure the safety of the travellers. In addition to this, the Governor reminded bus operators of the strict “no seat reservation policy” at the CSBT to observe an organized system.
The CSBT, located just a few meter away from the 5.6-kilometer Sinulog Carousel Route, is expected to see a significant influx of passengers during the Sinulog festivities. With these preparations in place, authorities are optimistic that the Sinulog Grand Parade will be safe and organized for both participants and commuters.
“This will really be a true celebration of the people, by the people, and for the people of Cebu,” the Governor added, referring to the Sinulog Festivities being brought back to the Old Carousel Route and the Cebu City Sports Center.
