Bayani’s solution: Think pink

It’s bound to raise a few eyebrows as much as draw attention.

But if people are induced to stop and look, then Public Works and Highways Secretary Bayani Fernando has more or less achieved the purpose of his scheme.

Pink pedestrian and traffic signs may soon begin to mushroom all over Metro Manila as Fernando studies the possibility of putting up more markers and guides to aid pedestrians, whose ignorance, he claimed, are an even bigger cause of traffic than vehicles.

But why pink, instead of the traditional red?

"It is more attractive to the eyes," Fernando replied.

Pink signs are actually in use in Marikina City, where Fernando served as mayor for nine years before becoming concurrent Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairman and secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

Fernando said the decision to put up more pedestrian signs was reached after a study showed that Filipinos are ignorant of traffic rules.

"In the US, 99 percent of people know how to drive and therefore can read traffic signs, but in the Philippines its the other way around. Only one percent can drive and read traffic signs," the DPWH chief said.

"So what happens when people in the provinces – some of whom have never seen a traffic light – comes to Metro Manila? They may not know that green is for go," he pointed out.

The plan to put up more signs for pedestrians is part of his campaign to remove traffic obstructions for the smooth flow of traffic. The effort calls for the construction of dozens of pedestrian overpasses and underpasses, which would ultimately reduce the use of traffic lights.

Fernando said that once pedestrian structures are constructed, laws against jaywalking will strictly be implemented.

Foremost in his list of areas needing pedestrian structures are the traffic-prone Commonwealth Avenue, Elliptical Road, Marcos Highway and C-5 Road.