“Wear yellow and be at Fuente Osmena by 6 a.m.”
Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama gave this instruction to Cebu City Hall’s close to 5,000 employees whom he asked to join the re-enactment of the “Salubongan”, the highlight of the Edsa People Power celebration.
As early as Monday noon, part of Cebu City is closed to vehicular traffic in preparation for the People Power celebration at the Capitol on the anniversary of the 1986 Edsa revolt.
Rama told City Hall department heads and employees during his Charter Day message yesterday morning that their presence will be required at Fuente Osmeña.
“They have to be there because no matter what, freedom is something that we have to be reminded about,” he said.
He said joining the Edsa commemoration is a display of nationalism which City Hall officials and employees should put to heart.
Rama said he would not impose sanctions to employees who would opt to skip the participation in the “Salubongan”, but he wanted them to be there especially since President Benigno Aquino will be in Cebu to witness the event.
“This is going to be an important event in the city and we have never been part of the Salubongan,” he said. President Benigno Aquino III will be attending the celebration.
The road in front of the Capitol (Escario street) is closed starting 12 noon today to prepare for the celebration tomorrow.
The stretch from the corner of M. Velez to Don Gil Garcia Streets to corner Juana Osmeña will also be closed to vehicular traffic. Tomorrow, Osmeña Blvd to N. Escario St. will be closed to vehicular traffic.
The stretch of N. Escario St., from M. Velez St. to corner Gorordo Ave. will also be closed. President Aquino will mark the Edsa anniversary observance with an inspection of the recovery projects for the victims of typhoon Pablo.
The visit will start in Baganga, Davao Oriental where he will inspect the repaired Manurigao bridge followed by a visit to the chili farms. President Aquino will also visit Bantayan Island after the anniversary event at the Capitol.
