The Lapu-Lapu City Government, through its City Traffic Management System (CTMS), has announced significant schedule changes for the upcoming Traslacion of the 461st Fiesta Señor Santo Niño. The adjustments, set for January 16 and 17, 2026, are designed to provide more time for devotees from neighboring cities to venerate the Miraculous Image of the Señor Santo Niño.
Revised Schedule and Major Bridge Closure
Under the new arrangement, the holy image will remain overnight at the Nuestra Señora de Regla Parish-National Shrine. To facilitate the Traslacion procession, the First Mactan-Mandaue Bridge will be completely closed to all vehicles from 5:30 AM until 8:30 AM on the specified dates.
City authorities are strongly urging all travelers heading to the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and other parts of Metro Cebu to plan their journeys well in advance. Businesses operating in the area are also advised to adjust their working hours accordingly due to the anticipated traffic disruptions.
Detailed Road Closures and Rerouting Plans
All motorists are instructed to use the Marcelo Fernan Bridge as an alternative route until the First Mactan-Mandaue Bridge reopens. The following roads will be temporarily closed on Friday, January 16, 2026:
- G.Y. Dela Serna Street: From the corner of P. Rodriguez Street going towards the First Bridge.
- P. Rodriguez Street: From Canjulao Intersection to the corner of B.M. Dimataga Street (only vehicles going to the parking area will be allowed).
- S. Osmeña Street: From the corner of Ceres Street to the intersections of G.Y. Dela Serna Street and Lopez Jaena Street.
- Lopez Jaena Street and B.M. Dimataga Street.
- 1st Mactan-Mandaue Bridge: Both ends, including the portion of M.L. Quezon Avenue in Barangay Pajo.
A specific rerouting scheme is in place for vehicles coming from and going to Cordova. The advised route is: Take A. Tumulak Street, pass by the Lapu-Lapu City Hospital in Barangay Gun-ob, turn right onto S. Osmeña Street, turn left onto Lt. Gen. Eleno Amores Sr. Road (Hoops Dome Road), turn right onto Humay-Humay Road, and finally turn left onto Maximo V. Patalinghug Jr. Avenue.
Second Day Processions and Send-off
The religious activities continue on Saturday, January 17, 2026, with a Send-off Mass scheduled at 4:00 AM at the Birhen sa Regla Shrine. A short procession will then commence at 5:00 AM, proceeding to the Naval Forces Central in Barangay Looc for the Fluvial Procession.
To accommodate these events, G.Y. Dela Serna Street, P. Rodriguez Street, Lopez Jaena Street, Looc Proper (near Naval Forces Central), and a portion of S. Osmeña Street will be closed. The same rerouting plan for Cordova-bound traffic will remain in effect.
The city government emphasizes that these measures are necessary to ensure the safety and solemnity of the centuries-old tradition while managing the flow of thousands of expected devotees. Residents and visitors are encouraged to cooperate fully with traffic enforcers and to stay updated through official city channels.
