In anticipation of the Christmas celebration, more than 100,000 tourists are expected to visit Baguio City for the long weekend, which ends on Christmas Day.
Three days to December 25, heavy traffic is already being experienced in the City of Pines. To alleviate congestion, the Baguio City LGU has opened a designated "Bakasyon Lane" to assist motorists and reduce traffic flow.
The Baguio City Police has activated traffic control points at all entry and exit points of the city.
A vacation lane was also implemented to reduce traffic congestion by up to 30 percent.
PCapt. Angie Dongpaen, PIO of the Baguio City Police Office, said traffic enforcers will guide tourists, especially those heading to popular tourist spots like Stone Kingdom or La Trinidad.
"I ga-guide po nila yung mga turista, kung papunta ka ng Stone Kingdom or La Trinidad dadaan ka sa Suelo Subdivision palabas ng station one para hindi na dadaan sa CBD," she said.
The traffic enforcement unit has already observed heavy traffic, particularly in routes leading to tourist attractions as of December 22, 2023.
Authorities have requested schools near these locations to provide temporary parking areas to alleviate traffic issues.
While transient houses and hotels are fully booked, tourists continue to flock Baguio City.
Ruben Laitan, a tourist, expressed the difficulty in dealing with heavy traffic and crowds.
"Mahirap pala, sobrang traffic at maraming tao," he said.
Families like the Daclison family from Quezon City have chosen Baguio as their Christmas destination, appreciating the cool weather and the holiday spirit.
"Baguio [pinili namin] kasi 'yung weather [dito] perfect for vacation and family bonding, mararamdaman mo dito ang pasko," Michael Daclison, a tourist, said.
Adelle Daclison, another tourist, praised the place for its pleasant climate.
"This is the perfect place, malamig, it's nice," she said.
Authorities have cautioned the to be wary of scammers and to conduct background checks before making advance payments for accommodations.
