Measure creating Cebu traffic council under review

CEBU, Philippines — The proposed ordinance creating an inter-agency council for traffic (I-ACT) management for Cebu Province was referred to the committee level for review during the Provincial Board (PB) session yesterday.

The draft will undergo a review by the members of the Committee on Public Safety, Peace and Order in order to improve the content of the proposed ordinance.

As stated in the draft, the I-ACT will have at least ten functions including the duty to coordinate with the I-ACT Cebu members in order to synchronize the enforcement of all traffic laws and unified inter-local government unit (LGU) traffic ordinance, and coordination with LGUs and lead agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) on the planning and implementation of projects that may have either positive or negative impact on the flow of traffic.

The I-ACT will also be responsible for the conduct of training and seminars on traffic management and safety to drivers, passengers, traffic enforcers, and the general public.

It is also expected to conduct study and assessment on the overall traffic situation in Cebu Province and make recommendations to the PB.

PB Member Edsel Galeos said he sponsored the measure because he thinks it is time for the provincial government to harmonize the traffic management plans of each LGU in Cebu.

Galeos added that traffic congestion has caused a lot of inconvenience to the public such as missing flights, long travel hours, and loss of revenues.

He added that strong political will is needed in order to solve the problem which has haunted Cebu for many years.

He also said that there is no need to ban cultural activities on the road such as street dancing as long as there is proper coordination among the LGUs.

“It’s political will plus information dissemination. Mosabot ra man ang tawo,” he told reporters yesterday.  (FREEMAN)