Cebu City did not experience major disruptions despite heavy rains brought by Tropical Depression Basyang.
Only isolated flooding and commuter difficulties were reported, Mayor Nestor Archival said.
In an interview on Friday, Archival said the city remained largely functional as the weather system weakened.
He noted that the main concerns involved flood-prone areas and residents who were temporarily unable to secure transportation home.
“Minor concerns mao lang gyud ang areas nga nibaha and mga tawo nga wala kasakay,” the mayor said.
He added that the city government immediately rolled out mitigation measures, including free bus services.
“Naa raman tay seven free buses,” he said.
To address transport disruptions caused by the weather, the Cebu City Government activated free bus services starting 4 p.m. Thursday as part of its emergency response.
The initiative was announced by Councilor Dave Tumulak, chairperson of the Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CCDRRMC).
Seven buses were deployed to serve major routes in both northern and southern Cebu City.
Colon Street was designated as the central endpoint for all routes, according to the Department of General Services.
For southern Cebu City, buses are operating on a vice versa basis along the following routes: Bulacao–Colon, Bulacao–SM City Cebu, Labangon–Colon, and Guadalupe–Colon.
These routes traverse key roads including N. Bacalso Avenue, P. del Rosario Street, V. Rama Avenue, and General Maxilom Avenue Extension.
In northern Cebu City, free bus services are plying the Panagdait–Colon, Lahug–Colon, and Talamban–Colon routes.
These cover major thoroughfares such as Pope John Paul II Avenue, Gorordo Avenue, and M.J. Cuenco Avenue.
City officials said the free rides were intended to cushion the impact of weather-related transport disruptions.
The service particularly benefits workers and residents with limited commuting options.
Amid continuing heavy rains, the city government also ordered the suspension of work in Cebu City Hall and other government offices starting 2 p.m. Friday as a preemptive safety measure.
Essential services, however, remained operational to ensure the continuity of critical public services.
Private companies were encouraged to follow the work suspension to allow employees to travel home safely.
This was especially important as weather conditions remained unpredictable.
As of 11 a.m. Friday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Tropical Depression Basyang continues to affect Cebu City.
The city remains under Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 1.
Pagasa warned that while the wind threat has eased, moderate to heavy rainfall persists.
Rainfall may still trigger flooding, landslides, and hazardous road conditions, particularly in low-lying and mountainous barangays.
Winds may reach 39 to 61 kilometers per hour, with stronger gusts possible in coastal and upland areas. (LLP)
