The Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (Team) has declared its full readiness for the major religious activities of the Sinulog 2025 festival, specifically the Traslacion procession. Agency head Hyll Retuya confirmed that all preparations, including personnel deployment, route management, and contingency measures, are firmly in place.
Coordination and Confidence in Preparations
According to Retuya, Team has been actively working with event organizers and church authorities from the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño to align plans. Team personnel attended coordination meetings called by the Basilica to ensure seamless execution. Retuya expressed strong confidence in the agency's state of readiness, stating that preparations have been ongoing and are on track.
"On our side, I can say that we are already prepared," Retuya affirmed. He highlighted that the agency is further solidifying its plans with a scheduled dry run in the first week of January.
Traffic Management and Deployment Strategy
For the day of the Traslacion, Team Mandaue will deploy approximately 70 traffic personnel across its designated routes. These enforcers will be strategically positioned, particularly in areas where the convoy carrying the image of the Santo Niño will pass.
"We will be locking down the areas where the convoy of the Sto. Niño will pass," Retuya explained. He clarified that there will be no full, permanent road closures. Instead, roads will be temporarily closed only while the procession is actively passing through and will reopen immediately after the tail end has moved on.
In addition to foot personnel, the agency will deploy patrol units and motorcycle riders. These mobile teams will be crucial, especially at the city's boundary points, to facilitate smooth coordination as the convoy enters Mandaue.
Route Details and Weather Contingencies
The Traslacion route within Mandaue City will remain unchanged from the previous year. The procession will traverse through:
- Subangdaku
- Tipolo
- Sta. Cruz
before heading straight to St. Joseph.
Retuya noted that the overall traffic plan is largely consistent with last year's successful implementation. However, a key addition for 2025 is a specific contingency plan for adverse weather conditions.
"There are no major changes compared to last year, except that we have a contingency plan if and when it rains or if flooding occurs," he said. "If none of those happen, the route will remain the same."
Team Mandaue is calling for public cooperation to ensure the safety and order of the event. Motorists and attendees are urged to follow the instructions of traffic enforcers to guarantee a smooth flow of traffic throughout the Sinulog and Traslacion celebrations.
