Yap says traffic changes Caindec made will stay

CEBU, Philippines - Traffic scheme changes introduced by Victor Caindec would remain in effect even after he resigned as Cebu City Traffic Operations Management executive director.

“We will carry on the policies set forth by Caindec,” said lawyer Rafael Yap, who replaces Caindic starting today in concurrent capacity since he also serves the city overseeing implementation of the Cebu-Bus Rapid Transit project.

Yap said he would also start collating the negative feedbacks CITOM received pertaining to the new policies and submit it to Mayor Michael Rama for assessment.

Caindec, though, clarified that he did not resign because of the said feedbacks from motorists on the modifications he introduced and implemented during his tenure.

“CITOM deserves somebody who should be there with the right proficiency. Wala man koy background on traffic, but on management, I have plenty,” he said.

Rama appointed him as CITOM executive director last December 15.

Caindec said he has no monopoly of bright ideas in solving the worsening traffic problem of the city, revealing that the road experiments, closures, and modifications were not primarily his own as underwent many processes involving different minds.

Despite his short term, Caindec did several changes, including a new parking scheme at the Fuente Osmeña Rotunda, flashing traffic lights, and the recent road closure of certain roads at the North Reclamation Area.

“Mayor Rama already knew that I have a lot of other things that I need to do and CITOM needs somebody that has proper competency to do the administrative side of things,” he said.

He admitted to failing to adjust to the dynamics at the city government as compared to what he was used to at the corporate world, which he is returning to today.

“I was able to let all stakeholders be aware of the problem and be part of the solution,” he said when asked of his greatest contribution.

He said he was able to connect with a lot of concerned parties and sectors for them to be part of the process of formulating traffic scheme changes in the city.

He suggested that who should replace him should maintain the sustainability of the traffic codes of the city and to ensure predictable traffic flow.

For his part, Yap said he would, adding that Caindec “did a good job.”

Yap said he is hopeful that the mayor will soon have a permanent CITOM executive director since he is committed to the World Bank and Department of Communications and Transportation, which is implementing the BRT.

“I hope that this is only temporary appointment,” he said. — /RHM (FREEMAN)