BY: VANESSA BUGTONG

With the influx of tourists expected during Holy Week, the Baguio City Police Office has reopened nine “vacation lanes” or alternate routes to ease traffic congestion in the city’s central business district.

Even before Maundy Thursday, tourists like Jay and his group were already exploring the city’s attractions. “We wanted to go around before it gets too crowded during the Holy Week,” he said.

Tourists and vehicles are expected to fill the city, with traffic buildup likely in key areas. “It’s already expected that Baguio gets crowded during holidays like this,” said Myrna, another tourist.

The reopened vacation lanes include Naguilian Road, Marcos Highway, South Drive, Outlook Drive, Balacbac Road, Loakan Road, Lamut-Shilan Road, San Luis-Nangalisan Road, and Long-Long Road.

“These routes are for those who do not need to go through the central business district,” said Col. Ruel Tagel, city director of the Baguio City Police Office.

He also encouraged motorists to use the BCPO View Baguio mobile app for guidance.

Joma Rivera, senior tourism operations manager, urged visitors to leave their vehicles at their hotels and explore the city by walking. “Baguio is a walkable city. We even installed signs that show how many steps and calories you can burn,” he said.

Aside from the alternate routes, around 400 police personnel will be deployed across the city to ensure safety and manage traffic.

Police Regional Office–Cordillera Director Brig. Gen. David Peredo Jr. said personnel will be stationed at roads, churches, homes, business establishments, and tourist sites.

As of Holy Tuesday, traffic on Marcos Highway remained light to moderate, despite the steady flow of vehicles from Metro Manila and Central Luzon.

Kennon Road remains open only to light vehicles, while Naguilian Road has seen moderate traffic going to the Ilocos Region and Cagayan Valley.

The BCPO said they are fully prepared, with an estimated 130,000 to 150,000 tourists expected to arrive during the long weekend.