Provincial board declares traffic crisis in Cebu

MANILA, Philippines — Citing heavy congestion on major roads in Cebu, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan yesterday passed a resolution declaring a traffic crisis in the province.

Cebu sixth district board member Glenn Soco, author of the resolution, cited a study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which showed that daily losses due to poorly managed traffic system in Metro Cebu amounts to P1.1 billion.

“Commuters, drivers and the riding public brace for worsening traffic situation on a day-to-day basis... Incidents of road rage...  are very common... Accidents, which sometimes cause loss of lives due to undisciplined driving, are happening,” Soco said in his privilege speech.

He said less time with family, exposure to pollution as well as fatigue for school children who wake up early to get to school on time and residents who walk long stretches to get to their destination are among the adverse effects of the traffic crisis.

“Our quality of life is deteriorating by the day,” Soco said.

He said flooding and road obstructions are also reasons for heavy traffic in the city.

“A more effective approach would have been to harmonize the... initiatives of various government units and national government agencies to streamline the implementation of efficient and sustainable road traffic policies and plans,” Soco said.

The provincial board passed a separate resolution, which Soco also authored, to expedite the passage of “effective measures” to solve the traffic problem in Metro Cebu.

The resolution also grants powers to President Duterte to implement measures to alleviate the traffic situation in Cebu.

Meanwhile, Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia urged government officials to find ways to address the traffic problem. She lamented that officials are ”caught up in a debate” on whether a transportation crisis exists.

Garcia is set to meet with officials of the Department of Public Works and Highway and mayors in the province to work out measures to ease traffic in the province.