Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Rolando Uy announced on Monday the suspension of work at city hall and classes at all levels in public schools due to the national peace rally organized by the Iglesia ni Cristo (INC).
The rally, set for Plaza Divisoria, is expected to cause significant disruptions throughout the day, prompting the mayor’s decision to ensure the comfort and safety of residents, students, and parents.
To accommodate the event, six major roads in the city’s central business district will be closed. Additionally, telecom signals will be jammed around Plaza Divisoria from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. to prevent any disturbances.
Private institutions such as Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan and Lourdes College, along with several other local schools, also canceled classes in response to the rally. Kong Hua School opted for asynchronous learning on Monday to avoid potential traffic congestion, while Xavier University and the Cagayan de Oro City Water District suspended work for the day.
However, the provincial government of Misamis Oriental, under Governor Peter Unabia, will continue normal operations despite the disruptions. Unabia said the provincial capitol cannot join the suspension as it will be hosting the opening of the Kuyamis Festival.
Meanwhile, in Bacolod, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson ordered the suspension of work at provincial government offices on Monday afternoon in anticipation of the INC’s peace rally at the Capitol Park and Lagoon.
The event is expected to draw more than 20,000 attendees, leading to temporary road closures from 6:00 a.m. to midnight.
Road closures in Bacolod will include North and South Capitol roads, Lacson Street from Cottage Road to 15th Street, and a portion of 6th Street. Traffic changes will include one-way schemes on Cottage Road, Aguinaldo Street, and Gatuslao Street.
Local authorities advised the public to use alternate routes and rely on navigation apps like Waze or Google Maps for real-time updates.