This Week in Cebu (April 9 to 15, 2018)

Cloudy weather continues to dominate the skies of Cebu even as the summer season has started. The week begins with a thunderstorm set to affect the city on Monday afternoon. On Tuesday, the sun tries to make its appearance as a partly sunny weather is expected during the day. Gloomy weather will take over as thunderstorms are forecast to affect the city from Wednesday all the way to the weekend. Temperatures for the week are expected to go as high as 32 0C. On the other hand, the lowest temperature is forecast to be at 25 0C.

Travel time from the Mactan-Cebu International Airport to the different hotels in Mandaue City and Cebu City may be cut shorter as the Department of Public Works and Highways 7 (DPWH 7) is laying the groundwork for an underpass project in Mandaue City. To prepare for this, DPWH 7 is conducting an inventory of electric posts and water pipes along UN Avenue in Mandaue City. Relocating the posts and pipes is necessary to prevent any obstructions once the underpass project is underway.

Philippine Airlines (PAL and Cebu Pacific have agreed to waive rebooking or cancellation fees for passengers affected by the imminent closure of Boracay. The island paradise faces closure for six months starting April 26 as part of the rehabilitation efforts of the government. The move may be a windfall for other tourist destinations as tourists may opt to visit other places in the country.

Even as six Mactan Island resorts were found to have violated easement rules, Cebu may see an increase in tourist arrivals once Boracay Island is closed. Since the structures built by these resorts were manageable, they will be given time to remove them. Failure to remove the obstruction will result in cases filed against these resorts.

Officials of Sta. Fe in Bantayan Island are urging visitors and resorts to the northern town to follow environmental laws. Mayor Jose Esgana expressed his concern on the effect of the influx of tourists on the environment. He said establishments found to have violated environmental laws face closure. Visitors to the town are advised to avoid pitching tents within 20 meters from the shore and dispose of their trash properly to maintain the pristine beauty of this northern Cebu town.

The no-bonnet ordinance in Lapu-Lapu City was implemented on April 1, 2018. Passed on May 25, 2009, Mayor Paz Radaza ordered its strict implementation as a crime prevention measure. Exemptions are given to persons who can present a medical certificate showing their health condition.