Preparations for 'Undas' go full blast

Local

THE Cebu provincial and Cebu City governments have already rolled out a comprehensive safety and mobility plans to keep travel smooth and secure for everyone heading home for the long Undas weekend.

In a joint press conference on Wednesday, Oct. 29, Cebu Gov. Pamela Baricuatro said the provincial government has readied standby buses to assist travelers in case of long waiting times or service shortages.

“Prepared nami ana, naa nay buses on call. Ang akoa lang gyud instruct ana nila, ang mga katawhan unta dili maglisod nga komportable sila while maghuwat sila sa mga buses,” she said.

The governor also said that the province has deployed 300 policemen across towns and terminals to ensure public safety throughout the observance of this year’s “Kalag-Kalag.”

“So, we will also deploy first aid and ambulances sa north and south (bus terminals). Naa sad tay medical booths to look after naay mga first aid cases mahitabo,” Baricuatro said.

Baricuatro emphasized that the province’s preparations include coordination with terminal management, police, and health offices to ensure that both public order and commuter welfare are protected.

Thousands influx

Cebu North and South Bus Terminals Administrator Ahmed Cuizon said that both terminals are expecting heavy passenger traffic, similar to past peak seasons.

He recalled that the South Bus Terminal accommodated around 19,000 passengers during Holy Week in April, while the North Bus Terminal handled about 8,000 travelers.

Cuizon said that to prevent overcrowding and ease long queues, a “libreng sakay” program will be offered to priority sectors such as persons with disabilities, senior citizens, children, and pregnant women.

A total of three buses and three coasters will be on standby to provide free rides for these passengers.

The free ride program will augment the 500 to 600 buses that regularly serve commuters from both terminals.

Cuizon said the goal is to make travel easier and more efficient for those returning to their hometowns.

‘Use satellite terminals’

Cuizon also encouraged the public to use satellite terminals to avoid congestion at the main terminals.

“Akoa lang awhag sa pasahero nga let us take advantage of the satellite terminals aron dili kaayo maghuot, magsugwak ang mga taw sa Cebu North Bus and South Bus Terminal,” he said.

The satellite terminal for southbound passengers is located at the Ceres Liner garage in Pardo, while the one for northbound passengers is at the Ceres garage near S&R in the North Reclamation Area.

Cuizon assured that all trips available in the main terminals are also accessible from these satellite terminals.

Baricuatro said the preparations reflect the close cooperation between the Cebu Provincial and City Governments to maintain public safety during the observance.

The Provincial Government’s deployment of personnel and the City’s coordination with national agencies show a unified approach to managing Undas operations.

The joint effort also includes coordination with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) 7, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) 7, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) to ensure terminal safety and manage crowd movement.

As travelers prepare to visit their departed loved ones, officials reminded the public to plan trips early, remain patient in queues, and use alternate routes or terminals when possible to help decongest the city’s main transport hubs.(MyTVCebu)