FRIDAY GRIDLOCK: Public warned of major traffic congestion in Iloilo City on Dec. 5

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

A triple rollout of Christmas festivities on Friday, Dec. 5, is expected to cause major traffic congestion in several Iloilo City districts, prompting authorities to warn motorists of severe delays.

The Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO) said Tuesday, Dec. 2, that congestion is expected across Jaro, La Paz, and City Proper, with spillover delays likely in adjacent districts, including Molo.

On Friday, the Calle Real Christmas Night Market will take over portions of J.M. Basa, Mapa, and Guanco streets in the downtown area from 5 p.m. to midnight.

The night market, which runs from Dec. 5 to 7, will feature 59 vendors and 99 kiosks, including food stalls, with buskers and live bands providing entertainment.

Also opening Friday is the “Candyland Christmas” at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol, an event expected to draw thousands of spectators and include a lantern parade led by the Iloilo provincial government.

The activity is expected to affect traffic in the Muelle Loney area, General Luna Street, and the Provincial Capitol grounds.

On the same evening, Central Philippine University in Jaro will launch its Festival of Lights and Music, adding to the anticipated gridlock in the district.

Traffic conditions will be further compounded by temporary open sidewalk vending, which began Monday, Dec. 1, and continues until Dec. 31 along Iznart, J.M. Basa, Ledesma, Valeria, and Delgado streets in the downtown area and within the vicinities of the Jaro, Molo, and Mandurriao district plazas.

As of Tuesday, a total of 347 special permits have been issued to vendors, with the city extending the deadline for the submission of requirements until the end of the week.

TTMO head Uldarico Garbanzos said congestion from the events will coincide with the typical Friday outbound rush hour.

“In the areas near the events, you can expect a slowdown,” Garbanzos said. “There will be a heavy traffic situation. The public is urged to be cautious of their things and to drive safely and defensively to prevent accidents.”

Motorists are strongly advised to take alternate routes, with trucks and trailers prohibited from entering or exiting areas affected by the night market and Provincial Capitol activities.

Garbanzos added that TTMO and the Public Safety and Management Office (POSMO) will be on full alert for the duration of the events.

“They will be deployed with the specific beat areas,” he said. “At the closures, you will be able to see the equipment and all other traffic signage.”

POSMO will also field teams for anti-criminality operations and support law enforcement in maintaining peace and order throughout the activities.