In a strategic move to ensure smoother festivities, Cebu's provincial government has greenlit a temporary relocation of a major transportation hub for the upcoming Sinulog Grand Parade.
Governor Approves Terminal Transfer to SRP
Governor Pamela Baricuatro has officially approved the request from the Cebu City Government to temporarily transfer the operations of the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT). The terminal will operate from the South Road Properties (SRP) starting on Sunday, January 18, 2026.
The primary goal of this temporary shift is to significantly decongest the heavy traffic along N. Bacalso Avenue, a major thoroughfare that experiences severe gridlock during the Sinulog celebrations. The relocation is a direct response to the logistical challenges posed by the city's largest and most attended annual event.
Operational Details and Enhanced Transportation
According to Councilor Dave Tumulak, a key member of the Sinulog Foundation Inc. executive committee, CSBT operations will move to a site at El Pardo along Industrial Road. The transition will begin in the early hours of January 18, at 3 a.m., and will remain in effect until all Sinulog festivities have concluded.
To facilitate passenger movement between the new terminal location and downtown Cebu City, a coordinated transportation plan has been put in place. Tumulak, speaking in a press conference alongside Mayor Nestor Archival on Monday, January 5, announced that a bus company will deploy 40 additional bus units for this purpose.
"With regular fare, the passengers will be ferried from the SRP to Plaza Independencia as the drop-off area," Tumulak explained in Cebuano. He also noted that there will be bus services connecting the Cebu North Bus Terminal in Mabolo to the SRP, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
A critical part of the plan involves routing these buses along the city's perimeter roads instead of passing through the central urban area. This deliberate detour is designed to avoid the core traffic congestion, making journeys faster and more reliable for commuters during the festival period.
A Coordinated Effort for Safety and Mobility
Tumulak emphasized that this initiative is a product of careful coordination between agencies, with the overarching objectives of enhancing public safety and improving overall mobility. By redirecting bus traffic away from the parade route and crowded city center, officials aim to create a safer environment for both spectators and participants.
The rerouting strategy is also expected to provide better access for emergency response units and government vehicles, which is crucial for managing a large-scale event like the Sinulog Grand Parade. Clear and unobstructed pathways can make a significant difference in response times during emergencies.
City officials are strongly advising all commuters and public transport operators to stay vigilant and monitor official government advisories for any last-minute updates or changes to the terminal arrangements and traffic schemes. This proactive communication is key to the plan's success and public cooperation.
The temporary relocation of the CSBT to SRP represents a practical, large-scale intervention to tackle the perennial challenge of Sinulog traffic, reflecting a commitment to hosting a safer and more enjoyable festival for everyone.
