Republic of the Philippines

Office of the Mayor

City of Cebu

Directive No. 01072023-01

From: Office of the Mayor

To: Task Force Disiplina, All Departments, Offices, Bodies and Commissions
of the City Government, All City Barangays, All Officials and Employees
of the City of Cebu and its Barangays, Churches and Religious Sects,
Interfaith Group, Schools and Universities, Cebu Chamber of Commerce,
Cebu Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Philippine Retailers Association
(Cebu), Multisectoral Convergence Group and All Concerned Individuals,
Sectors, and Entities.

Re: Strict Observance and Enforcement of Discipline in the Exercise of

Freedom with Shared Responsibility within the City of Cebu and Special
Directives for Sinulog and Other Significant Activities

The right to freedom of religion and belief is enshrined and protected under Article 3
Section 5 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which provides that: “No law shall be
made respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof. 1

On February 24, 2022, the City of Cebu through an Executive Order declared for
its people, freedom with shared responsibility. Since then, the City has remained vigilant
for any emergencies and undertaken necessary precautions and preparations.From that
time, the City has been vigilant for any untoward event or emergency and has made all
necessary and practicable precautions and preparations for the purpose.

Data will shows that for the past months, there has been neither cessation nor
reversal of the City's direction for a full health and economic recovery among its
constituentscy and within its territory in pursuit of its vision of becoming a , Singapore-
like Cebu City.

To sustain the positive momentum, Oplan Disiplina was also launched to enforce
and instill discipline upon the people as the key in attaining peace, progress and
prosperity. under Divine Providence.

THE Cebu City Police Office (CCPO) has started implementing its “Oplan
Disiplina” program in every barangay, just like what they did during the
pandemic, in order to instill discipline among the residents.
1
Art. 3, Sec. 5 of the 1987 Constitution
The program kicked off on November 15, 2023, in Barangay Pahina Central,
where they served arrest warrants and enforced the city’s ordinances.The
program will be carried out every night in every barangay, including interior
barangays.

Its goal is to apprehend criminals and other individuals who break city
ordinances, such as curfew, no smoking, spitting and urinating in public places,
indiscriminate throwing of garbage, and parking cars and motorcycles in
forbidden areas.

The CCPO also wants other departments of the Cebu City Hall to participate in
enforcing the city’s ordinances.2As we continue to rise up and move forward, let us be
reminded to adopt acts of self-protection and preservation at all times and most especially
in undertaking and participating in events and activities. City of Cebu has a good number
of recognized and significant events and celebrations in the upcoming months like the
Sinulog and Other Socio-Cultural and Religious Activities, Valentines, Charter Day,
Graduation Rites, Labor Day Activities, Sport Events, Independence Day Activities
among others.

With the continuous challenge of keeping the gains, there is a need to make a clear
directive upon all concerns to exercise utmost prudence in promoting health, safety and
recovery towards achieving the City's vision.

In view of the foregoing premises, as Mayor of the City of Cebu, Iby virtue of the power
vested upon me by law, do hereby direct as follows:

GENERAL DIRECTIVES

1. Continued Non-Obligatory Use of Face Mask:- In general, the non- obligatory use
of face mask indoor and outdoor as provided under the previously issued Executive Order
of the Office of the Mayor in consonance with the recently issued Executive Order of the
President will continue to be observed within the territorial jurisdiction of the City of
Cebu. Measures of self-preservation and protection especially in close, crowded, close
contact places and venues are hereby emphasized.

Except, in high-risk areas and places in which wearing of face mask is still mandatory
like:

2
CPPO Oplan Disiplina, https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/cops-launch-anew-oplan-disiplina-to-enforce-cebu-
citys-ordinances
 a. Health care facilities, including but not limited to hospitals, clinics, diagnostic
laboratories, nursing homes, and dialysis clinics; and.
b. Medical transport vehicles, such as ambulance and paramedic rescue vehicles.;
and

2. Boosted Incentivized Vaccination Drive. The City of Cebu strongly and continuously
promotes and incentivizes the vaccination program for COVID 19 with its Pabakuna
Extravaganza where every vaccinated person will have a chance to win one of the
following prizes: two (2) condominium units, brand new car, motorcycle, thirty (30)
television sets and other minor prizes. Booster doses are also made available to all
eligible persons under a professionally handled procedure and inoculation. The City
adheres that vaccination is the way to liberation a s well a s a measure of self-protection
and preservation.

23. Strict Observance and Enforcement of Executive Orders on "Kagawasan" and

"Disiplina":. All concerned departments, offices, bodies and commissions are hereby
reminded and called upon to strictly observe and enforce the provisions of al existing
laws, rules, ordinances, executive orders particularly Oplan Kagawasan and Oplan
Disiplina within the territory of the City of Cebu and to effectively disseminate
information to the public for their support, guidance and proper compliance. A bottoms-
up implementation and enforcement must be observed with people participation and
involvement from household to the sitio, to the barangay, schools and the whole City at
large. The Chief of Police is strongly directed to lead the Oplan Disiplina and to increase
police visibility and foot patrol.

34. City Government Service Availability. All Departments, Offices, Bodies and
Commissions of the City Government are expected to perform all their respective duties
and functions and to exercise initiatives in order to assure the efficient delivery of
services to the general public including tourist and visitors including those related to
health, sanitation, environment, safety, disaster, peace and order and the like. A Cebu
City Government 24/7 Service Hotline must be in operation for the purpose.

45. Health, Sanitation and Nutrition Related Activity. The status of health, sanitation
and nutrition of the people in each community and barangay must be checked, properly
monitored and profiled by the relevant Departments and Offices. All interventions must
be properly documented, and its progress carefully logged.

SPECIFIC DIRECTIVES:

I. On Sinulog Festivities:
Sinulog as an Asian Festival is not only an attraction and event to the Cebuanos and
Bisaya but an exercise of homage to the Holy Child Jesus right on the City of Cebu as the
cradle of the Christianity in the country. People from all points of the world come to join
and witness the festivities and merrymaking while manifesting their strong faith and
belief in the Señor Sto. Niño de Cebu. The City is expected to be filled with people again,
from a two-year sabbatical brought by the health emergency. Families meet and converge
along with these festivities. Great preparation must be made in order to preserve the
sanctity of the celebration and for a happy and peaceful merrymaking that goes along.

Safety precautions are needed for a truly enjoyable and meaningful experience and
festivities and to curtail any untoward incidents. Thus, these specific directives:

1. Protecting the exercise of the fundamental rights of the people like:

a. Freedom of religion and expression like attending Holy Mass and Novena
coupled with thanksgiving and repentance for the spiritual upliftment of the
people.
b. Freedom t o associate and join socio-cultural, religious and traditional activities
like the solemn procession, fluvial parade and Sinulog matdigras Mardi Gras and
related merrymaking.

c. Protect the family by allowing them to celebrate and spend quality time.

For these purposes, Task Force Disiplina, led by the Chief of Police is hereby enjoined to
observe and enforce all relevant and existing laws and ordinances, increase police
visibility and regularly conduct mobile and foot patrol all over the City to assure a
peaceful and orderly celebration.

2. Task Force Disiplina together with the Public Information Office and all media outlets
are to properly disseminate reminders to the general public on DOs and DON'Ts to make
a meaningful celebration of the festivity particularly during the religious/penitential
procession on foot and fluvial including the Sinulog sa Kabataan, Street Dancing and as
follows:

Needed Items and Preparation:

a. Wear comfortable clothing and footwear;,
b. Wear comfortable dress/ Sinulog shirts and accessories but not expensive
jewelries;.
c. Avoid wearing jeans and dark colored clothes as it tends to absorb heat resulting
to profuse sweating;,
d. Bring only what you need, small amount of cash;,
e. Eat something and don't go with an empty stomach, bring candies/sweets;.
f. Hydrate well by drinking water;,
g. Bring friends and designate a meeting place in case you get lost;,
h. Handkerchief/hand towel;,
i. Raincoats/umbrellas;,
 j. Food and water;,
k. Extra clothes;
l. First aid kit;,
m. Medicine and other emergency needs;,
n. Wear face mask and observed minimum public health standards in crowded,
close contact and close areas as a measure of self-protection and preservation
against any physical, health and environmental hazards, and emergencies;.
o. Stay at home when not feeling well or experiencing flu like symptoms and
consult a medical professional.

Prohibited Acts and Items:

a. Street parties in the City;.
b. Littering and improper throwing or disposal of garbage;,
c. Bringing of firearms and ammunition (Gun Ban from January 7 until 21, 2023
in Cebu City) permits to carry firearms outside of residence are suspended;,
d. Sharp or bladed instruments;,
e. Explosives and firecrackers;,
f. Intoxicating beverage and liquor;,
g. Gambling materials;,
h. Gambling on streets;,
i. Cigarettes and lighters;,
j. Breakable food and beverage containers;,
k. Prohibited drugs and substance;,
l. Flammable or combustible substance;,
m. Carrying of back packs and large bags are discouraged

Additional Advisory:
a. Avoid ostentatious display or wearing of expensive jewelry and cellular
phones;,
b. Avoid bringing big amount of cash;,
c. Refrain from bringing unnecessary gadgets;,
d. All establishments must open and make available their comfort rooms to the
public during the Sinulog activities;.
e. Before leaving your house:
i. Make sure to lock doors gate and windows and all possible entries,
ii. Never leave a lighted candle/naked light, ensure to turn off gas
stove/tanks, unplug all electrical gadgets including appliances as
much as possible,.
iii. Never leave notes or post on social media that no one is at home to
avoid house theft/robbery,
iv. Make sure to leave someone /neighbor to watch over the house,.
v. If possible, go out or walk with companion,
 vi. If with child, make sure that he has an ID/name tag with contact
person and address.,

f. Before leaving your vehicle:

i. Always check and keep the vehicle doors and windows close,
ii. Take your personal belonging and valuable items when you leave,
iii. Park in a guarded and well lighted area.

In case of emergency, the police hotline can be reached at 233- 6705 or 233-0762
or through cellular phone number 0926-5151828 of the Cebu City Police Office
and 166, 262-7157, 262-7201 or 262-7231 of the Mobile Patrol Group.

The public can also reach the Bureau of Fire hotline at 160, 256-0541, or 256-
0542 and Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation hotline number 161 or 233-9300.
Cebu City Government 24/7 Service Hotline Numbers: 0947-178-0000, 0932-
537-7770 or 0917-839-9896.

They can also directly report any incident to the policemen assigned in each of the
eight sectors composing the carousel route. Each sector will be manned by a police
commander.

3. Hospitals, Health and Sanitation: All hospitals in the City of Cebu shall observed Code
White Alert Status and must be ready and on standby for any eventualities which can be
massive in character.

4. The City Health Department shall monitor and check the potability of water and
quality of food in all billeting areas and shall conduct regular sanitary inspection on food
establishments, food streets or night markets.

5. Task Force Disiplina in coordination with the Sinulog Foundation shall adopt a
separate, distinct and specific contingency plan for the Sinulog activities in the South
Road Properties (SRP); Mainland, Cebu City; Barangay, Hospitals and Households. In so
doing, a regular meeting and briefing must be conducted to polish the standard
approaches.

6. The Cebu City and Transportation Office, Department of Engineering and Public
Works, Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (PROBE), Cebu
City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and Department of Public Works
and Highways (DPWH) Region VI and Cebu City shall make sure that there will be free
flow of traffic within, in and out of the City. All routes and schedule of foot processions
and activities must be publicly disseminated ahead of time down to the barangays and
household level.
7. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VI and Cebu City shall
take the lead in coordination with the Cebu City Transportation Office, Department of
Engineering and Public Works, Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and
Enhancement (PROBE and Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office
in ensuring that all possible alternate routes must be made patent and passable by motor
vehicle and foot traffic and compliant with road safety and standards.

8. City Barangays through the Liga Ng Barangay shall mobilize all its resources to
preserve peace, order, health and sanitary condition of their respective jurisdiction.
Barangays must be able to disseminate all necessary information to the community and
household as to the Sinulog activities, routes and schedule in order to promote ease and
convenience of its constituents. Schedule of activities including the dos and don'ts must
be posted in the conspicuous places of the barangay for guidance of the public.

9. Parents and Guardians must be reminded to exercise parental authority and

responsibilities over their children and must look into their safety and welfare. Discipline,
good morals and right conduct must be inculcated upon them. Parents must keep their
respective household safe and conducive for the rearing and development of their
children as well as eliminate, prevent or minimize risk and hazard arising from fire,
health and environmental conditions.

10. Teachers, Choreographers, Trainers, Organizers, Group leaders shall act as second
parents to ensure the safety and welfare of every participant especially the children and
minors, before, during and after the Sinulog performances, street dancing, visit, tour and
related activities.

11. Churches, Chapels, Interfaith Group and Religious Sects, through their respective
heads and officials, are enjoined to remind and inculcate upon its members and
parishioners, discipline and obedience on existing laws and rules including that of
garbage disposal, sanitation, traffic, environment, health and safety. In so doing, a prefect
of discipline and enforcement marshal shall be designated to implement the same within
their respective areas of concerns and responsibility.

12. All churches, chapels and religious organizations are directed to intensify information
dissemination of the dos and don'ts and the schedule of activities of the City during the
Sinulog festivities. Information and Education Campaign on existing laws, ordinances
and rules primarily on traffic, environment, sanitation, health and safety is encouraged in
order to promote participation, compliance and obedience among its members.

13. Multisectoral Convergence Group (MCG), Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry
(CCCI), Cebu Chinese Chamber of Commerce, Philippine Retailers Association (Cebu)
shall support and ensure that all businesses, entities and establishments shall be compliant
with legal orders and directives and promote discipline and information dissemination.
Comfort facilities and restrooms in all establishments must be made functional, available
and open for public use especially during the period of the Sinulog festivities. Signages
for the purpose are encouraged to promote health and maintain sanitation throughout the
City. The City Health Department is hereby directed to check and accord recognition to
all actively participating entities which actually opened their restrooms and other comfort
facilities to the general public during the Sinulog festivities.

14. Schools and Universities are directed to intensify programs and activities which will
instill upon students a sense of discipline and obedience on duly constituted authorities
and orders. Education and information campaign must start in every school and
educational institution where the Singapore-like Cebu City vision of the city must be
indispensable component. Further, the administration, faculty and staff including the
students of educational institutions are mandated to support, practice, implement and
disseminate the dos and don'ts during the Sinulog festivities right from the school to
every household.

15. All other acts which are incidental, necessary and indispensable in carrying out the
said task and all those which will promote public welfare and safety are hereby
sanctioned. Failure to comply with these directives may result to the imposition of
penalties in accordance with the law.

January 7, 2023, Cebu City, Philippines.

Hon. Michael L. Rama

Mayor
City of Cebu