Ban-Tal traffic public urged: Leave home early

CEBU, Philippines -  Due to the traffic situation in the Banilad-Talamban road, Cebu City Vice Mayor Edgardo Labella is urging the public to also make adjustments such as leaving their homes earlier than the usual.

 “We wish also the motorists would realize nga there is now considerable increase in the number of motor vehicles. It’s undeniable,” Labella said.

According to Labella, people living or working in Ban-Tal should leave at least 15 minutes earlier than their usual time of departure.

Mayor Michael Rama is also reiterating his request for the Cebu provincial government to help solve the traffic problem in the area.

“I wish the governor will also be doing (his part). Dako kaayo og play ang governor actually kay naa man silay property diha. There is something that needs to be done,” Rama said.

Rama explained that there are properties along the Ban-Tal road that are being managed by the Capitol.

The mayor has been talking to some of the property owners along the area. Rama said some of them have agreed to sit back their properties for a wider road without asking any amount of compensation from the city.

In fact, the University of San Carlos is willing to cooperate with the city government to address the traffic problem.

Reverend Father Dionisio Marcelo Miranda, USC president, has directed the property administrator and the vice president for administration of the university to meet with the representatives of the city government.

“We are just waiting for a communiqué for a consultation by the city,” said property administrator Fr. Lucio Pedro Dayag.

The university had also communicated with the Department of Public Works and Highways-7 on the road widening project at the Governor Cuenco Avenue because it will affect the school’s fence in its Talamban campus.

 “It’s everybody’s concern. Bottom line here is whichever benefits the most, mo-cooperate ta,” said Cerwin Eviota, the university’s communication consultant.

Rama earlier asked the USC to respond in the problem.

An 18-member traffic management board was already created to address the traffic problem in the area.

The Ban-Tal Traffic Management Board is composed of representatives from Barangays Talamban, Banilad, and Kasambagan, Land Transportation Office, Cebu City Police Office, and CITOM. — Mechelle P. Florita and Michael Vencynth H. Braga/FPL (FREEMAN)