Traffic group gears up for Boy Scout jamboree

THE Traffic Management Center gears up for the 2nd BIMP-Eaga Boy Scout Urban Jamboree in Davao City.

The eight-day jamboree, which will be participated in by Boy Scouts from Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia and Philippines, is slated on May 26 to June 2.

It will be the second international event that will be hosted by the city this year. The first was the successful staging of the Asean Tourim Forum in January.

To ensure that traffic flow will be smooth and in order during the event, Traffic Management Center chief Celso Gempesaw said they have cleared city streets from obstructions.

"Our preparation is quite fast, we have reached up to Calinan in preparing, we cleared streets of possible obstructions and set-up traffic signage from Ulas to Calinan," Gempesaw said Monday.

Gempesaw said these areas include Calinan District, where the Philippine Eagle can be found, and the Aldivinco Shopping Center.

"We phased out illegal loading, unloading and illegal parking. It was easier because our system is already smooth. And immediately after Boy Scout event, whether there are other activities or not the system will continue," he said.

He said the Traffic Management Center will strictly implement the temporary closure of Palma Gil Street, from the corner of Ponciano street, up to the corner of Camus street during the event.

Gempesaw advices affected jeepney drivers to use Bonifacio Street.

He added the drivers and jeepneys are assured of a smooth traffic flow as the traffic group has already identified personnel who will be augmented in the area.

Development works at the PTA Grounds, where the international event will be held, have also been stepped up as delegates from neighboring Asean countries are expected to start arriving this week.

City Administrator Wendel E. Avisado said the city has been monitoring every detail of the preparation to ensure the success of the international jamboree.

"The security aspect has also been taken up and I will continue to gave it monitored. All systems are in placed this early and therefore we expect a smooth and successful holding of the jamboree," Avisado said. (BRQ)