Expect sharp and alert Cebu City traffic personnel out on the streets when classes start on Monday.
Raffy Yap, City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) executive officer, said 300 traffic personnel finished a two-week refresher course to prepare for the opening of classes.
They reviewed traffic rules and ordinances so that they could better guide traffic and help parents and students on Monday.
“We are expecting traffic congestion but we are well prepared for it,” Yap said.
He said the Cebu City government’s engineering department had also repaired all traffic lights, road railings and traffic signs in the city.
Motorists were reminded to obey road rules and regulations to avoid mishaps and citation tickets.
Yap said traffic laws will be strictly implemented.
He warned jeepney drivers not to load and unload passengers in front of school gates.
Sylvan “Jack” Jakosalem, Citom chairman, said they would be watching closely critical roads where these violations usually happen.
He cited Colegio de la Inmaculada Concepcion in Lahug, where jeepneys tend to stop in front of the school gate to load and unload passengers.
He said the juncture was critical because immediately after vehicles turn left from General Maxilom Avenue the school gate was already there on Gorordo Avenue.
“We have to be strict. We’ll apprehend drivers if they stop right in front of the gate because this immediately causes a traffic jam,” he said.
Meanwhile, Transportation Undersecretary for maritime transport Aristotle Batuhan has asked the Philippine Coast Guard, Maritime Industry Authority and the Cebu Ports Authority to be ready for the surge of students from other provinces.
Batuhan also appealed to shipping companies to hold off the implementation of their fare increase, if they have already applied for it, in time for the opening of classes.
The Food and Drug Authority (FDA) under the Department of Health also reminded parents to make sure the food products they give their children are safe for consumption.
Grace Aumentado, FDA-7 chief, said consumers should read the food labels and nutritional contents of food products before buying them.
“As much as possible, don’t let your children bring junk food to school,” Aumentado said.
She advised parents to cook and prepare the food at home so they are sure of the quality of the snacks and meals children bring for “baon.” /with a report from Correspondent Jhunnex Napallacan