Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Ma. Cynthia 'Cindi' Chan has officially declared a suspension of classes and government work to honor a major religious tradition and address anticipated logistical challenges in the city.
Official Declaration for Fiesta Observance
On Thursday, November 20, 2025, all public schools and City Government offices in Lapu-Lapu will be closed. This is in accordance with Executive Order No. 65, signed by Mayor Chan, for the observance of the 290th Patronal Fiesta of Nuestra Señora de Regla.
The primary reasons for the suspension are to ease traffic congestion and ensure public safety. A large number of devotees are expected to gather at the Virgen de Regla National Shrine in Barangay Poblacion and participate in various socio-cultural and religious events. While November 20 is the main feast day, the city's official celebrations are scheduled to span both November 20 and 21.
Adjustments for Schools and Essential Services
While the suspension is mandatory for public schools, private schools have the discretion to decide whether to suspend their own classes. To ensure that academic requirements are still met, public schools will schedule make-up classes in line with the mandates of the Department of Education and the Commission on Higher Education.
For government operations, a skeletal workforce will be present in offices that provide frontline services. This includes critical offices such as the Mayor’s Office, Treasurer’s Office, Business One-Stop Shop, Office of the Building Official, City Health Office, City Social Welfare and Development Office, and the Local Civil Registrar.
Mayor Chan's order also guarantees that essential services will continue without interruption. This includes disaster response units, traffic management teams, waste collection services, and hospital operations. The city aims to balance the festive celebrations with the uninterrupted delivery of crucial public services.
Guidance for Residents and Businesses
The city government has advised private businesses and national government offices located in Lapu-Lapu that they may also adjust their work schedules based on their own management's discretion.
Residents and visitors are strongly encouraged to plan their travel and activities accordingly. With the influx of people for the fiesta and the adjusted work and class schedules, anticipating heavier-than-usual traffic around the shrine and major event areas is prudent. The suspension provides an opportunity for the community to fully engage in the festivities while the city manages the logistical flow for everyone's safety and convenience.
