Cebu braces for influx of Kalag-Kalag passengers

Local

ANTICIPATING an influx of passengers for this year’s Kalag-Kalag, the Cebu Provincial Government are rolling out several measures to ease travel, improve terminal services and ensure the safety and convenience of commuters heading to their hometowns and cemeteries.

The provincial government will deploy eight buses under its Libreng Sakay program, up from six units last year, to accommodate more passengers during the annual observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.

The initiative aims to assist persons with disabilities, pregnant women and parents traveling with children, who may face additional difficulties amid the holiday rush.

Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said the province is coordinating with law enforcement agencies and local governments to maintain orderly travel and protect residents visiting cemeteries or returning to their respective towns.

The province is also temporarily suspending terminal fees at the Cebu North Bus Terminal (CNBT) and Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT) to ease transport costs.

Economic and Enterprise Council Resolution No. 2026-012 formalized the suspension on Oct. 20, covering buses, vans-for-hire and taxis. The measure will remain in effect until the council lifts it through another resolution.

Under the previous fee schedule, buses paid P250 per terminal fee, vans-for-hire paid P200 and taxis paid P20.

Terminal administrator Ahmed Cuizon said transport operators had requested relief from rising fuel prices and operating costs, prompting Baricuatro to suspend collections.

The CSBT accommodates an average of 7,000 passengers on weekdays and 11,000 on weekends, while the CNBT handles about 2,000 passengers on weekdays and 4,000 on weekends.

With passenger numbers expected to double during Kalag-Kalag, provincial officials are coordinating with municipalities along major highways to address congestion, particularly near cemeteries situated beside major roads.

The coordination also aims to prevent traffic bottlenecks from delaying buses and allow public utility vehicles to complete their trips and return to terminals more efficiently.

Aside from suspending fees, the provincial government has introduced improvements to make waiting areas more comfortable during the holiday rush.

The upgrades include 10 high-capacity fans, Iwata air-cooling units and five industrial air-conditioning systems. Additional janitorial personnel have also been assigned to maintain sanitation at both terminals.

“I’ll make sure nga safe and clean atong banyo and comfortable ang atong mga mo-byahe padong sa probinsya,” Baricuatro said.

The governor also said security personnel would be deployed to key cemeteries in coordination with the Cebu Police Provincial Office.

Passengers have been reminded not to bring sharp objects into the terminals.

Those traveling with pets must use appropriate carriers or cages, while all commuters are urged to dispose of their garbage properly.

Meanwhile, Cebu City will deploy 553 personnel to manage traffic, maintain order and prepare cemeteries for the expected influx of visitors during Kalag-Kalag.

Kenneth Siasar, chief of staff of Mayor Nestor Archival Sr., said the city has coordinated with relevant offices on cemetery cleanup, traffic management and post-observance garbage collection.

The deployment includes 197 personnel for traffic field posts, 109 for traffic details, 18 mobile patrol personnel, 25 engineering personnel, 10 Land Transportation Office-deputized personnel and teams for towing, sweeping and wheel-clamping operations. Barangay tanods may also provide assistance.

The city has prepared traffic plans for individual cemeteries, including designated parking areas, vehicle entry and exit points, and authorized vending locations.(MyTVCebu)