BAGUIO CITY – Stakeholders, public utility vehicle drivers and operators, students and school administrators, private individuals, government officials, senior citizens and persons with disability, the Baguio City Police Office and interested entities came together and voiced out traffic concerns during the summit at the Baguio Convention Center last Thursday.
The summit which aimed to address the city’s heavy traffic problems through odd-even schemes, an improved public transport through the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) –proposed monorail passing through the Balili river was well-participated in by the stakeholders.
Other suggestions include road-widening, the construction of serviceable overpasses near congested areas and the school-belt, more consultations and information campaigns in the barangays and strict implementation of traffic rules and regulations.
In the ensuing analysis, however, self-discipline ranked foremost as the determining factor in traffic problem solving.
The administrative order for the anti-road obstruction drive was also discussed, with Councilor Michael Lawana explaining the salient points, as to the deputization of barangay officials.
Traffic expert Engr. Teodorico Tan explained the mechanics for road status, transport, sidewalk and pedestrians, and needed facilities. The business sector and academics group also gave feedback, as with the blue, yellow, green and red jeepney trunkline association officers.
Bypass roads along and through the neighboring towns of La Trinidad, Itogon, Sablan and Tuba were also acknowledged as traffic relievers, with officials of public works and highways present.
During the participatory forum, the stakeholders ranked the short, medium and long term propositions, with councilors present attentive to the issues raised.
Architect Joseph Alabanza ended the forum with a challenge for the “protection of the character of Baguio City for future generations,” through the protection of nature, “pedestrianization” of roads, including Session road, making roads “walkable.” More planning is needed, he said, inclusive of Baguio’s neighbors, or that of the Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay concept. /Julie G. Fianza.#
