No classes in public schools in Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu during IEC week

Less traffic is expected during the 51st International Eucharistic Congress (IEC) later this month, with the suspension of classes in some public schools in Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu cities.

Only those schools near the IEC Pavilion and other venues of congress activities from January 24 – 31 will have a holiday.

These schools will be identified based on the recommendation and evaluation of the local government units, Department of Education (DepEd-7) regional director Dr. Juliet Jeruta said in a memorandum issued on January 5.

“The suspension of classes is to decongest traffic and allow students from the vicinities to participate and witness the celebration,” Jeruta stated in the memorandum, which was issued on orders of Education Secretary Bro. Armin Luistro.

As of yesterday, Mandaue City has identified 27 public elementary schools and 23 public high schools that will suspend classes from January 25 to January 29.

Cebu and Lapu-Lapu cities have yet to recommend the schools that will have a holiday.

In her memorandum, Jeruta said affected schools in Cebu City will suspend classes on January 25 – 30 while those in Lapu-Lapu City will have no classes on January 27 – 29.

These public schools will join at least five Catholic schools that earlier announced the suspension of classes during the congress, which is scheduled for January 24 to 31.

Affected schools will, however, have to hold make-up classes after the congress.

Jeruta said they will have to meet the required 201 school days for school year 2015-2016.

DepEd’s confirmation of the suspension of classes came amid a presentation of traffic rerouting plans by the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) for the IEC during a press conference at the Archbishop’s residence yesterday.

Rare opportunity

CCTO operations chief Jonathan “Joy” Tumulak advised the riding public to plan ahead and to leave their houses two hours prior to any event that they intend to attend.

“This is one rare opportunity to host the IEC. We should be proud of it,” Tumulak said.

Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma also appealed to Metro Cebu residents to “be patient” and “to plan ahead” in order to avoid being inconvenienced by the expected traffic congestion caused by the IEC.

“This is a time when patience will really be tested. But please bear in mind that it is not every year that Cebu will host the IEC. In fact, the last time the Philippines hosted the congress was in 1937 in Manila,” Palma said.

Instead of complaining, the archbishop encouraged Cebu residents to warmly welcome the estimated 15,000 IEC delegates.

The IEC is held every four years to promote awareness of the Eucharist’s central place in the life and mission of the Catholic Church.

“Let’s give all the delegates our best in terms of hospitality and let us show them our best signs of welcome. We’re hoping their stay in Cebu will be fruitful and meaningful,” he said.

PRIVATE SCHOOLS

In Mandaue City, schools division superintendent Dr. Arden Monisit also urged private schools to suspend classes.

So far, only the University of San Carlos, University of San Jose-Recoletos, St. Theresa’s College, Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion and Don Bosco Technology Center has volunteered to suspend classes during the IEC.

Other private schools also expressed willingness to suspend classes during the IEC but have yet to make a formal announcement.

Monisit said he will issue a memorandum that would require make-up classes after the congress.

“These (make-up classes) will start in February. It will be five Saturdays,” Dr. Monisit said.

Dr. Marilyn Andales, Lapu-Lapu City schools division superintendent, was unavailable for comment.

Dr. Danilo Gudelosao, DepEd Cebu City asst. schools division superintendent, could not be reached for comment because he was in an IEC meeting yesterday afternoon.

Tumulak of CCTO is seeking the suspension of classes in public schools near the IEC Pavilion, including Florencio Urot Memorial National High School in barangay Mabolo and Barrio Luz Elementary School in barangay Luz.

Tumulak is also seeking the suspension of classes at the Abellana National School and the Cebu City Central School during the IEC First Communion at the Cebu City Sports Center on Jan. 30.

TRAFFIC PLAN

Under the city’s traffic plan, Pope John Paul II Avenue, particularly the stretch from F. Cabahug Street (corner Leona Cakes and Pastries) in barangay Mabolo to the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (Tesda) office in barangay Lahug, will be closed to all vehicles from 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. from January 24 (Sunday) to January 30 (Saturday).

Only IEC buses, coasters and private vehicles with authorized passes will be allowed to enter the road where the Eucharistic Pavilion is located.

Truck bans will also be enforced on Pope John Paul II Avenue for the duration of the congress.

Fr. Wendell Balbuena, chairman of the IEC committee on transportation, said at least 110 buses will be used to transport the delegates from their respective hotels and some parishes to the IEC Pavilion and other venues.

During the opening Mass on January 24, Tumulak said the roads around Plaza Independencia will be closed to all vehicles starting 2 p.m. until the event is finished.

Certain streets in Cebu City will also be closed during the Visita Iglesia in the evening of January 28, when delegates visit seven parishes in the city: Basilica del Sto. Niño, Cebu Cathedral, Sto. Rosario Parish, Sacred Heart Shrine, Asilo de la Milagrosa, Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish and Redemptorist Church.

On January 29 (Friday), the road in front of the Cebu Capitol will be closed starting 1 a.m. to give organizers time to install wide screens and other equipment for an open air Mass at the Capitol building.

Nearby streets will also be closed in the afternoon of January 29. Osmeña Boulevard will be off limits to all vehicles during the Eucharistic Procession from the Capitol to Plaza Independencia on the same day.

Minimize

The following day, January 30, roads around the Cebu City Sports Center will be closed to give way for the first communion of 5,000 children.

Tumulak said there will be road closures during the closing Mass at the South Road Properties in the afternoon of January 31.

But he said trucks and trailers are prohibited from entering the SRP to minimize the volume of vehicles in the area.

The truck ban at the SRP on January 31 will start from noon until the end of the event.

Tumulak said they will put up traffic advisories in some areas to guide motorists.