Regional traffic group launched in Central Visayas

CEBU, Philippines — The regional arm of the inter-agency group created to address the traffic problem in the country was launched in Cebu yesterday.

The Inter-Agency Council for Traffic (I-ACT) was created upon the instruction of President Rodrigo Duterte.

In Region 7, the group is composed of the Land Transportation Office, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Department of Public Works and Highways, Philippine Coast Guard, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philippines, the LGUs of Cebu, and the LGU’s traffic arms.

I-CAT national chairman Manuel Gonzales said the council will undertake intensified operations against colorum vehicles, illegal parking and illegal terminals as well as removing obstructions on the streets.  It will also intensify its anti-fixer and anti-fake driver’s license including trip cutting and overcharging.

LGUs here support the new group.

I-ACT Region 7 chairman and LTO regional director Victor Emmanuel Caindec said the launch of the group here should be a reminder that Cebuanos should help each other.

Tuburan Mayor Aljun Diamante, president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Cebu Chapter, said they support the I-CAT because the group’s expertise can help LGUs.

Liloan Mayor Christina Garcia Frasco said traffic is a major problem among residents of her town.

"Traffic is a real problem that affects the municipality of Liloan. It is also a very personal challenge for us especially not less than 30,000 vehicles passed through our national highways," Frasco said.

Other mayors who attended the launch were Carcar Mayor Nice Opura, Consolacion Mayor Teresa Alegado, and Mandaue Vice Mayor Carlo Fortuna.

"The only way to find the solution is to know the problem. The support and cooperation of all the LGUs in solving traffic is very important. Traffic laws are the simplest laws but the most abused laws," said Undersecretary Jose Garcia, general manager of the Metro Manila Development Authority.

Cebu City

In Cebu City, Mayor Tomas Osmeña approved the deployment of city buses to Natalio Bacalso Avenue to rescue stranded passengers.

The buses will be deployed today.

It was Councilor David Tumulak who suggested that the buses be deployed to the area because many passengers are still stranded in the streets despite the improved traffic flow in the south.

The traffic problem in the South District is aggravated by the ongoing construction of an underpass on Natalio Bacalso Avenue.

"This is the reason why ni-recommend ta sa mayor… if possible, makapadagan og at least three Kaoshiung buses from the south at 6:00-9:00 a.m.," Tumulak said.

Eugene Toralba, a traffic enforcer assigned in the area, agrees with Tumulak. He said the buses will be a great help to passengers, especially to students and workers.

Mananga Bridge

Meanwhile, the Cebu City-bound lane of the Mananga Bridge 2 in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City will be closed to traffic starting at 10 p.m. today due to preventive maintenance works.

The south-bound lane will accommodate two-way traffic, but trucks will have to take the Cebu South Coastal Road, said Provincial Traffic Management Focal Person Jonathan Tumulak.

The city government, contractor, and other stakeholders agreed on the traffic management plan during a coordination meeting yesterday.

The repair, which will cost P44.3 million, will be undertaken by DPWH and is expected to finish within three to four months.

The contractor, Zion Construction, will undertake works 24/7. — Isabella G. Obor / JMO (FREEMAN)