Ahead of the grand Sinulog festivities, Cebu City authorities have formally requested Governor Pamela Baricuatro to approve the temporary shutdown of the Cebu South Bus Terminal (CSBT). The proposed closure is set for Sunday, January 18, 2026, as a key component of the city's traffic and transport plan for the massive religious and cultural celebration.
Traffic Decongestion and Security Strategy
City Councilor Dave Tumulak, who also sits on the Sinulog Foundation Inc. executive committee, explained that the move aims to clear major roads, organize public transport, and create dedicated parking for officials and emergency responders. The focus areas are around the Cebu City Sports Center (CCSC) and its vicinity.
"The south bus terminal will be temporarily closed to provide an orderly parking area for VIPs, including elected officials," Tumulak stated. He emphasized that this is part of a broader security and logistics strategy for the festival. During the main events, access to the CCSC grounds will be highly restricted, reserved only for ambulances, fire trucks, and key officials like the Cebu City mayor and vice mayor.
Revised Transport Routes and Pickup Points
If approved, all southbound bus operations will be transferred from the CSBT to the South Road Properties (SRP) El Pardo/Industrial Road site starting at 3 a.m. on Jan. 18. This will continue until Sinulog events conclude. Buses originating from the south will still run but will park and board passengers at the El Pardo area instead.
To ferry devotees, at least 27 MyBus units will be deployed from designated pickup points. Transport operations will begin with the first novena on January 18, with these buses starting their routes at 5 a.m.
The plan outlines specific transfer points:
- From the South: Private vehicles will only be allowed up to El Pardo. Passengers will then transfer to a MyBus, alight at the National Museum, and proceed to the Basilica del Santo Niño.
- From the North: Private vehicles will only be allowed up to SM City Cebu, where passengers will also switch to a MyBus heading to the Basilica.
Tumulak clarified that northbound bus operations will continue normally without changes to their routes or terminals.
Appeal to the Public and Current Preparations
The councilor strongly urged Sinulog attendees planning to use private cars to park at malls outside the city center and avoid driving into downtown Cebu to help prevent gridlock. Mayors and officials from neighboring towns are expected to use the vacated CSBT for their parking.
Coordination among city departments, transport groups, and security forces is ongoing. Tumulak reported that preparations for the festival are currently about 70 percent complete, with all agencies working to ensure a safe and orderly celebration for everyone.
