The Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) has confirmed its full readiness for the upcoming major religious events in January 2026, specifically the Sinulog festival and the Traslacion procession. The agency has finalized its deployment plans, route management, and contingency measures to ensure public safety and order.
Coordinated Preparations with Church Organizers
TEAM Chairman Hyll Retuya stated that the agency has been actively collaborating with event organizers and church authorities as part of their comprehensive preparations. Retuya emphasized that TEAM personnel attended coordination meetings called by the Basilica Minore del Santo Niño to ensure seamless integration of plans.
"We are confident that the agency is prepared for this major occasion," Retuya said, highlighting the importance of unified planning for the large-scale events.
Extensive On-Ground Deployment Strategy
On the day of the procession, TEAM Mandaue will deploy more than 70 traffic personnel across the city. These officers will be strategically positioned along the routes that the Sto. Niño convoy will traverse.
"We will deploy about 70 personnel on that day along our routes. We will lockdown the areas where the Sto. Niño convoy will pass," Retuya explained. In addition to foot personnel, the agency will also field patrol units and motorcycle riders, particularly at the city's boundaries. This is to ensure smooth coordination once the convoy enters Mandaue's jurisdiction.
Route Details and Traffic Management Plans
The Traslacion route within Mandaue City will remain unchanged from previous years. The procession will pass through Subangdaku, Tipolo, and Sta. Cruz before proceeding toward St. Joseph.
Retuya clarified that there will be no "full road closure." Instead, roads will be temporarily closed only while the convoy is passing through and will be reopened immediately after the last section of the procession has moved through the area.
Contingency Plans and Final Preparations
The agency's preparations for this year are similar to those of the previous year, with no major changes to the overall traffic plan. However, TEAM has prepared contingency plans for unexpected situations like heavy rain or flooding.
To solidify their readiness, a dry run is scheduled for the first week of January. This rehearsal will test and strengthen all coordination and response protocols.
TEAM Mandaue is calling on all drivers and the general public to cooperate with traffic enforcers to ensure a safe and orderly traffic flow throughout the entire celebration period.
