Osmeña Blvd closed today for Christ the King event

The stage and platform set in front of the Capitol building that will be used for today’s Christ The King Mass which is expected to draw thousands of devotees.
(CDN PHOTO/ JUNJIE MENDOZA)

With 15,000 devotees from different parishes in Cebu expected to attend today’s Christ the King Mass and procession, Cebu City residents are advised to either stay at home or seek alternative routes to their destinations.

Councilor Dave Tumulak, head of Cebu City’s command center, said roads to be used during the procession, which include Osmeña Boulevard and parts of Colon Streets and D. Jakosalem Street will be closed to vehicles starting at 10 a.m.

The Cebu Archdiocese will celebrate today the Christ the King event and the closing of the Year of the Laity.

A 4 p.m. Mass is scheduled in front of the Capitol building to be followed by a procession going towards Plaza Independencia.

Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama are expected to join the Mass.

Hot weather

Tumulak said they are bringing out fire trucks from the barangays today to make sure that no fires will happen while the activity is ongoing.

“Mag expect ta nga init gyud kaayo ugma.  Mangandam na lang ta ug simbako naay sunog (We expect the weather to be hot tomorrow. We’re preparing for it in case there’s a fire),” he said.

The state weather bureau Pagasa said temperatures of 25 degrees to 32 degrees will be experienced in Cebu City today.

Tumulak said they will deploy 10 barangay trucks and 11 ambulances along the parade route.

Portable toilets and water stations will be set up near the Capitol grounds and at Plaza Independencia.

Closed circuit TV cameras which the city borrowed from private persons will be installed along the four-kilometer route of the procession.