ILOILO City — Traffic authorities are bracing for one of the heaviest gridlocks of the Christmas season as multiple large-scale holiday events — including the Calle Real Night Market, the Iloilo Provincial Government’s Lantern Parade, and separate opening-of-lights ceremonies — are set to unfold simultaneously across Iloilo City tomorrow, December 5.
The convergence of festivities, coupled with the seasonal surge of shoppers and street vendors, is expected to choke major thoroughfares from General Luna to Muelle Loney, downtown stretches of JM Basa, Valeria, and Delgado, and key district plazas.
The Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO) and the Iloilo City Traffic and Transportation Management Office (ICTTMO) released traffic advisories warning motorists of slow to standstill conditions beginning late afternoon.
“We ask for everyone’s patience. With three big events happening at the same time, congestion is unavoidable,” TTMO head Uldarico Garbanzos said. “If you can leave your car at home, please do. Expect delays, expect slow movement, and plan your trips ahead.”
Rerouting in effect; trucks barred from key roads
Rerouting schemes will impact vehicles passing Fermin Caram–JM Basa, Bonifacio Drive, General Luna, Quezon Street, and Muelle Loney:
* Inbound vehicles from Bonifacio Drive will be diverted to General Luna via Jalandoni or Mabini Streets.
* Traffic from General Luna toward downtown will be rerouted through Quezon Street.
* Vehicles traveling along Muelle Loney from Mansaya–Loboc must take the Coastal Road–C1–Benigno Aquino Avenue route.
* Outbound vehicles from JM Basa–Fermin Caram will traverse Calasanz–Dela Rama–Hervas back to Muelle Loney.
Garbanzos stressed that trucks and trailers are strictly prohibited from entering the affected zones to prevent further gridlock.
He also appealed for courtesy and cooperation toward traffic aides: “Our enforcers will be working double time. Please cooperate with them—we are all doing this to ensure everyone’s safety and smooth flow of activities.”
City-centers, plazas to swell with crowds
The ICTTMO noted that large crowds are expected at the Christmas Village opening at the Iloilo Provincial Capitol and lantern parade along the Capitol vicinity and Muelle Loney — both major chokepoints.
A separate fireworks display along the Iloilo River is also projected to draw spectators to riverside roads such as Fermin Caram and sections of downtown, further impacting mobility.
Officials likewise warned of heavy pedestrian-vehicle interaction in commercial areas like Iznart, Ledesma, Valeria, and Delgado Streets, as well as around Jaro, Molo, and Mandurriao Plazas.
Authorities: Travel early or take alternate routes
With the triple convergence of events expected to overwhelm road capacity, the public is urged to leave early, take alternative routes, or consider avoiding private vehicles altogether.
“We want people to enjoy these events, but they must also be prepared,” Garbanzos said. “Anticipate traffic and adjust your schedules accordingly.”
Additional traffic personnel will be deployed citywide, with authorities asking for public understanding as Iloilo embraces the holiday festivities./PN
