Cayetano: Develop provinces to solve Metro Manila traffic woes

MANILA, Philippines - Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano on Friday proposed to develop local economies in provinces to solve the traffic problem in Metro Manila.

"The solution to Metro Manila traffic problem is not to build more infrastructure inside NCR, but to build more outside the city," Cayetano said.

The senator is set to file a bill which seeks to establish a Philippine Decentralization Committee (PDC), which will design specific programs that would enhance the delivery of goods and services in the countryside.

The PDC would also relocate several government agencies outside Metro Manila.

Cayetano suggested to transfer the Department of Labor and Employment to Region I or the Ilocos region, which currently has the second highest unemployment rate in the country.

He also proposed to move the Department of Tourism to Region VII or Central Visayas, specifically in tourist haven Cebu.

Meanwhile, the Department of Energy was proposed to be relocated to Region XIII or the Caraga region which is known for its abundant renewable energy sources.

"I pushed for a long-term and a more feasible solution and that is to create alternative corridors of development outside NCR. This will not only resolve traffic jams in the already overcrowded capital, but will also extend growth throughout the rest of the country," Cayetano said.

Cayetano also proposed to establish a Luzon-wide transportation system which will "pave the way for the construction of an integrated railway system, high-standard highways, and strategically-located airports, seaports and land transport stations in provinces all over Luzon."

According to a study by Numbeo, the Philippines is third among Asian countries and fifth in the world in the list of countries with negative traffic situation.

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