The 21st City Council of Davao City has given its approval for temporary road closures at Bucana Bridge as the city gears up for its upcoming Chinese New Year celebrations. This decision marks a significant shift in the event's venue, with festivities set to take place at the bridge for the first time, following a suggestion from Chinese Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen.
Strategic Venue Selection and Preparations
City Councilor Myrna Dolodo-Ortiz, who chairs the Committee on Tourism and Beautification, emphasized that hosting the Chinese New Year at Bucana Bridge is both a strategic move and a gesture of gratitude. In her privilege speech at the Sangguniang Panlungsod on February 3, 2026, she highlighted that this location showcases Davao City's appreciation for its meaningful collaboration with China. The committee, along with the City Tourism Operations Office (CTOO) and the Davao City Chinatown Development Council, has finalized all preparations to ensure a smooth and memorable event.
Traffic Management and Event Details
To accommodate the celebrations, partial road closures will be enforced from February 14 to 16, from 1 a.m. to 2 p.m., with one lane remaining open for vehicles and rehearsal traffic. On February 16, the bridge will experience a complete closure from 2 p.m. to 9 p.m., followed by partial closures from February 16 to 17, allowing one lane for outbound traffic. Newly appointed CTOO Officer-in-Charge Willenito P. Tormis assured that these measures are designed to prevent traffic congestion, with coordination involving the Public Safety and Security Office and the City Transport and Traffic Management Office.
Tormis also encouraged all Dabawenyos to join the festivities on February 16 at Bucana Bridge. The program will feature a variety of activities, including performances from Chinese schools, traditional Chinese rituals, the launch of a Chinatown coffee table book, and the ceremonial lighting of Bucana Bridge. Notable attendees are expected to include Mayor Sebastian "Baste" Duterte and Consul General Zhao Xiuzhen, adding to the event's significance.
Safety Regulations and Unique Highlights
In terms of safety, the city will maintain its existing firecracker regulations, with no changes to City Ordinance No. 060-02, Series of 2002. This ordinance prohibits the manufacture, sale, distribution, possession, and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnics year-round, with violators facing fines of ₱1,000 to ₱5,000, imprisonment of 20 days to six months, or both. Tormis noted that the major changes this year are the new venue and the ceremonial lighting, which aim to add variety while continuing to highlight the strong ties between Davao City and the Chinese community.
A megatent will be set up on the bridge to accommodate attendees, ensuring comfort in the open space. This thoughtful planning underscores the city's commitment to fostering cultural exchange and celebrating diversity through this annual event.
