DAVAO CITY – Several streets here will be temporarily closed on Friday, March 28, to make way for the birth anniversary celebration of former Davao City Mayor and President Rodrigo Duterte dubbed “Rody @ 80: A Global Celebration of his Life and Legacy.”
The Davao City Transport and Traffic Management Office (CTTMO) announced the traffic plans and alternative routes on its Facebook page on Tuesday, March 25, as thousands of people are expected to flock to this city and celebrate Duterte’s birthday.
Partial road closures will begin at 1 a.m. Wednesday, March 26. Significant roads were affected such as C.M. Recto Ave. (Claveria St.) from San Pedro St. to Magsaysay Ave. and Roxas Ave. from Quezon Boulevard to C. Bangoy St.
According to the CTTMO, road closures will allow for the setup of a stage for the main event on March 28.
“Motorists are encouraged to use alternative routes as the upcoming activity may disrupt the traffic flow. Traffic signs and personnel will be in place to assist and ensure smooth movement,” the CTTMO said.
The 20th Davao City Council passed an ordinance on Tuesday granting CTTMO the authority to enforce the road closures for the event from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Various groups have offered free T-shirt printing for people who wish to participate in the event.
The Hugpong sa Tawong Lungsod party will lead the event.
Duterte will mark his birthday while in detention at the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague, Netherlands for alleged crimes against humanity.
Vice President Sara Duterte said that his father’s partner, Honeylet Avanceña, and daughter, Kitty Duterte, plan to visit him on his birthday.
Vice President Duterte is currently in The Hague to assist his father and join a legal team for him.
The Vice President assured that her work in the Office of the Vice President continues even while she is in The Hague.