Session Road to close Sundays in April for summer events

BAGUIO CITY — Authorities will temporarily close Session Road to vehicular traffic on four Sundays this April to make way for cultural and tourism activities under the city’s summer celebration program.

The closures will take effect on April 5, 12, 19 and 26, from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m., following Executive Order No. 42, series of 2026, signed by Mayor Benjamin Magalong, the city government said.

The move aligns with the “Summer in Baguio 2026” festivities and the observance of National Literature Month, transforming the city’s main thoroughfare into a pedestrian-friendly venue for events and public engagement.

The City Tourism, Culture and Arts Office will oversee coordination, while the Baguio City Police Office has been tasked to implement security and traffic management measures to minimize disruption.

Supporting agencies, including the City Engineering Office, will handle road closure logistics and traffic rerouting.

The City Treasury Office and Permits and Licensing Division will manage fees and permits for participating merchants, while the Public Information Office will ensure wide dissemination of the advisory.

City officials said the initiative builds on the success of previous pedestrianization efforts, which drew strong public participation and helped position Session Road as a key tourism hub.

From March to May last year, Baguio recorded more than 316,000 tourist arrivals, accounting for nearly a third of annual visitor traffic, underscoring the importance of the summer season to the local economy.

The city has lined up a range of activities spanning culture, arts, wellness, sports, and civic events through May, with Session Road serving as a central venue due to its accessibility and prominence.

Officials described the summer program as a “fiesta-like” celebration, emphasizing the need to prioritize pedestrian access to maximize public participation.