Cebu LGUs, gov't agencies unite to ensure safe Holy Week travels

Local

OFFICIALS from several government agencies and highly urbanized cities in Cebu pledged to ensure road safety during Lenten season at a signing ceremony held Wednesday, March 25.

They also vowed to monitor public utility vehicle fares to prevent operators from imposing unauthorized increases during the Holy Week travel rush.

Authorities reminded commuters that no fare hike has been approved following the president’s recent suspension on fare adjustments.

Newly installed Land Transportation Office-Central Visayas (LTO-7) Director Atty. Wendel Dinglasan led the oath-taking and the signing of the Pledge of Commitment, which calls on government and law enforcement agencies to protect every traveler with integrity, vigilance, and compassion.

The pledge emphasizes enforcing traffic laws fairly, assisting the public when needed, and promoting discipline on the roads.

Attending the ceremony were Police Regional Office-Central Visayas chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan, Land Transportation and Regulatory Board-7 (LTFRB-7) Director Abosamen Matuan, Cebu City Mayor Nestor Archival, Atty. Riczen Gingoyon representing Mandaue City Mayor Thadeo “Jonkie” Ouano, Lapu-Lapu City Councilor Joseph Pangatungan, and Talisay Traffic Operations Development Authority chief Jonathan “Joy” Tumulak.

In his speech, Dinglasan highlighted the importance of accountability and the human impact of road crashes.

“Road crashes are not just statistics. They are stories of lives lost, families broken, and futures cut short. These tragedies remind us that road safety is not optional—it is a necessity,” he said.

He added that the signing represents a commitment to enforce policies and lead by example.

Maranan pledged the support of 10,000 policemen in Central Visayas, covering Cebu and Bohol provinces and the highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Mandaue, and Lapu-Lapu.

No fare hike still

Meanwhile, Matuan said the LTFRB 7 will continue monitoring public utility vehicles to ensure only certified vehicles carry passengers during the Holy Week.

He added that authorities will strictly check fares to prevent operators from imposing unauthorized

“Our central office has been consistent on the monitoring these fare increase kasi wala pong abiso o nangagaling sa aming opisina na itaas ang byahe,” he said.

Matuan reminded that it is a violation of the law for operators to implement self-made fare matrices.

Matuan added that no fare increase has been approved following the president’s recent suspension on fare hikes.

He also mentioned that more than 50 additional special permits have been issued to bus operators in the region to manage the expected surge of travelers during the upcoming Lenten holiday.

This comes as transport groups in Cebu recently canceled a planned transport holiday, which was intended to protest rising fuel prices.(MyTVCebu)