Cebu City will deploy 553 personnel to manage traffic, maintain order and prepare cemeteries for the influx of visitors during Kalag-Kalag, with authorities warning against illegal parking and roadside vending that could obstruct roads and sidewalks.
Kenneth Siasar, chief of staff of Mayor Nestor Archival Sr., said the city government has coordinated with the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO), Department of Public Services (DPS) and other offices for the observance.
The preparations include traffic management, cemetery cleanup, post-observance garbage collection and measures to keep vendors from blocking roads and sidewalks.
The DPS has started cleaning cemeteries, while the city’s Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (PROBE) team will help regulate roadside vending and maintain order near cemetery entrances.
Traffic plans have also been prepared for individual cemeteries, identifying vehicle entry and exit points, traffic flow, designated parking areas and locations where vendors may operate.
Siasar said private vehicles would generally not be allowed inside cemeteries. Cempark may be an exception, however, as the city is still seeking permission to deploy traffic enforcers within the privately operated property.
The CCTO has written to Cempark management to request access for its personnel to manage traffic inside the cemetery.
Siasar said congestion within the property could affect surrounding roads, including routes leading to Mandaue City, if traffic problems are not addressed inside the premises.
The city has yet to receive confirmation on whether Cempark management will grant the request.
Traffic enforcement
Of the planned personnel, 197 will be assigned to traffic field posts and 109 to traffic details. The deployment will also include six towing personnel, four sweepers, three wheel-clamping personnel, 18 mobile patrol personnel, 10 personnel deputized by the Land Transportation Office and 25 engineering personnel.
The total excludes barangay tanods who may be tapped to assist in their respective areas.
Siasar said barangay tanods could provide additional support because of their familiarity with local conditions.
The city is also coordinating with the City Treasurer’s Office and PROBE to organize cemetery vendors and require them to carry identification. Officials want vendors to operate only in designated areas instead of occupying sidewalks or obstructing traffic.
Siasar identified roadside vending and improperly parked vehicles as recurring problems during previous Kalag-Kalag observances.
He said some vendors return to restricted areas after being told to move, while some motorists leave their vehicles in locations that obstruct traffic.
The city plans to use wheel clamps and towing against vehicles causing obstructions.
Existing cemetery rules, including restrictions on prohibited items and areas, will also remain in effect, Siasar said.
Visitors are advised to check official traffic plans and cemetery guidelines before traveling, particularly those bringing private vehicles.
Photo by Jacq Hernandez
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