IN preparation for the upcoming Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) peace rally in Davao City on January 13, the City Government of Davao has issued Proclamation No. 01, Series of 2025. The proclamation suspends face-to-face classes at all levels in both public and private schools and mandates a skeleton workforce in all national and local government offices, including GOCCs.
This measure aims to ensure public order, safety, and the convenience of Dabawenyos as ten (10) major streets within the city’s business district will be temporarily closed during the conduct of the peace rally.
Proclamation No. 01 cites Section 16 of RA 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 granting the local government unit powers necessary to ensure and support the promotion of health and safety, maintenance of peace and order, and preservation of comfort and convenience of their inhabitants.
Moreover, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Legal Opinion No. 2, series of 2015 states that LGUs can declare work and class suspension to ensure public order and convenience.
On January 7, the City Council also passed Resolution No. 04022-25 requesting City Mayor Sebastian Duterte to issue a skeleton workforce arrangement for the city government employees on January 13 to help ease traffic congestion. During the City Council’s deliberation of the road closure ordinance, Iglesia Ni Cristo Minister Erano Estudillo bared that around 300,000 members of the INC will join the event.
Estudillo also confirmed that the preparations for the nationwide peace really has already been done and that this will push through on January 13 whether the permit will be granted or not.
The city government stated that considering the declared number of participants of the rally, it is imperative to take proactive measures to ensure the welfare and safety of both residents and the visitors. In addition, it is duty-bound to safeguard the public and undertake measures to avert any untoward incidents or disasters that may occur during the event.
Public Safety and Security Office (PSSO) head Angel Sumagaysay said that the suspension of work and classes on January 13 will help manage traffic and ensure the convenience of Dabawenyos especially those working or studying within the event areas.
“INC said that the event will push through, rain or shine. We expect over 300,000 participants on Monday coming into the city and converging within the downtown area, which will result to traffic and congestion. While we have a full traffic and security plan in place, the suspension of work and classes will be helpful. We can avoid inconvenience among students and employees in the city. This will also allow us to focus on the security of the people directly participating in the rally,” Sumagaysay said.
Meanwhile, the city government also encourages private offices and establishments in the areas affected by the peace rally to suspend work or adopt work-from-home arrangements for the convenience of their employees. CIO
Editor’s Note: This article has been sourced from the City Government of Davao Facebook Page.
