Roadworks hastened to ensure safety of Sinulog spectators, participants

Local

AS CEBU City gears up for the 2025 Sinulog Festival and Fiesta Señor, city officials are expediting road repairs, asphalting projects, and infrastructure upgrades to ensure the smooth flow of events and public safety.

To ensure the safety of spectators and participants in this year’s Sinulog, city authorities are fast-tracking preparations along key routes for the solemn procession and grand parade.

Norvin Imbong, project manager for the Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) project under the Department of Transportation (DOTr), confirmed on Tuesday, January 7, that road patching and construction debris removal are already underway.

These works are being prioritized along Osmeña Boulevard, the route for both the grand parade and solemn procession.

Imbong clarified that the contractor was working to clear unfinished civil works, including the Link-to-Port feature near the Basilica Minore del Sto. Niño, ahead of the Fiesta Señor’s novena masses starting January 9.

He also noted that while some improvements around Osmeña Boulevard remain incomplete due to time constraints, gravel will temporarily cover any excavated sections to prevent accidents.

The area will be made safe for public use while work on the sidewalk extensions continues.

Councilor Jerry Guardo, head of the city’s Technical Infrastructure Committee (TIC), assured that other road patching works, including pothole repairs along major streets like P. del Rosario and Gen. Maxilom Avenue, will be completed just before Sinulog events begin.

He further confirmed that a 300-meter radius around parade routes, including access to the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC), is a priority for repairs and safety measures.

In addition to preparations for Sinulog, Cebu City's P240 million asphalting initiative, approved in the 2023 annual budget, has also drawn attention as it coincides with the 2025 election season.

Roadworks resumed this week following a short break, addressing the ongoing demands of residents across the city.

Councilor Guardo explained that the asphalting operations target high-traffic areas in the city’s upland barangays, including Apas, Banilad, Talamban, and Capitol that have long awaited road improvements.

Guardo pointed out that lowland barangays had already paved roads, with the priority now in the upland areas.

Despite controversy surrounding the timing of the projects, especially as election season nears, Guardo emphasized that the works were based on long-standing requests from local communities.

He noted that the projects aimed to address road conditions across the city, ensuring no political considerations influenced the plans.

To further enhance safety during Sinulog 2025, Guardo’s committee is addressing potential hazards like dangling utility wires along the procession and parade routes.

Since December 2024, city workers have been collaborating with utility companies to raise these “spaghetti wires” to ensure a clear and safe space for the thousands of attendees expected during the event.

Additionally, Imbong noted that contractors agreed to temporarily relocate unused CBRT construction materials, such as steel poles, to the South Road Properties (SRP) for safekeeping during the festival.(MyTVCebu)