Cebuanos told to brace for traffic congestion during NYD procession on Wednesday

The National Youth Day opening Mass will be held at the basilica Wednesday night. / CDN File Photo

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Motorists are advised to avoid a portion of Osmeña Boulevard from the corner of R. Landon Street to P. del Rosario Street on Wednesday, April 24, for the procession of the Holy Family, one of the highlights of the opening program of this year’s National Youth Day (NYD) celebration.

Road closure will be implemented starting at 2 p.m. or four hours ahead of the procession from the Cebu City Sports Center to the basilica that is scheduled at 6 p.m.

Francisco Ouano, operations head of the City Traffic Operations Management (Citom), warned motorists of heavy congestion since road closure will be made during the peak hours.

But Ouano said that road closure will immediately be lifted as soon as the procession enters the basilica.

NYD 2019 activities will officially start at 4:30 p.m. on Wednesday with the opening program scheduled at the Cebu City Sports Center grounds. Participants will then walk to the basilica for the Holy Family procession at 6 p.m.  while a Mass is scheduled at 8 p.m. followed by the traditional Sinulog dance.

Ouano said they expect around 40,000 people to join the NYD opening procession.

They will deploy a total of 90 enforcers to man traffic in affected roads.

Ouano said that a traffic rerouting will also be implemented during the duration of the procession.

Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) that are supposed to traverse Osmeña Boulevard will be rerouted to V. Rama Avenue.

Ouano also urged the public use the alternate routes to avoid from getting stuck in traffic.

“Might as well ang kaning mga motorists manglikay ani dapita. Palayo lang sila sa procession para dili sila maka contribute sa traffic,” he added. /dcb