Power lines lie on the street a day after super typhoon Odette wreaked havoc in Cebu City on Thursday night, December 16, 2021. CDN Digital photo | Brian J. Ochoa
CEBU CITY, Philippines—Cebu City residents are mandated to stay at home for the Clearing Days on December 30, 2021, and January 2, 2022.
Mayor Michael Rama issued Executive Order No. 152, ordering people to stay at home except for essential reasons during the two days so the city’s clearing teams can hasten their operations.
Termed as the Enhanced Citywide Qualitative Health and Sanitation (ECQ-HS) Drive and Days, the declaration would entail massive clearing operations in all roads with heavy equipment and trucks plying the streets.
To avoid traffic jams, private cars will not be allowed to go out unless for essential purposes like going to work and going to the hospitals or supermarket.
Even public transport are discouraged to ply the streets, although they are still allowed to do so.
While all residents are mandated to stay at home, the following are exempted from such order:
1. Medical personnel
2. Emergency personnel
3. Government officials and employees
4. Drivers and personnel of delivery vehicles
5. Accredited media personnel
6. Farmers, fishermen, agri-business personnel
7. Persons in need of medical attention
8. Persons involved in the clean-up
9. And other individuals duly authorized
Households are encouraged to also join the clearing by taking the time to clear their own households and properties of debris, conduct repairs, and focus on the rehabilitation of their own homes.
Even private establishments are asked to help clear their areas as a way to contribute to the movement.
Mayor Rama said in a press conference on Wednesday, December 29, 2021, that the city government needs the help of all sectors for the Clearing Days to be successful.
“Magtinabangay ta, if everyone will join, we will finish it,” he said.
The city targets that by the end of the day on January 2, 2021, all roads will be empty of debris and traces left by Typhoon Odette.
/bmjo
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