CCTO to deploy 300 traffic enforcers for opening of classes

CEBU, Philippines — In anticipation of the influx of students on Monday, the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) will deploy over 300 traffic enforcers for the opening of classes.

CCTO Operations Chief Francisco Ouano said six traffic enforcers will be assigned in each public school to manage traffic and will help assist students and motorists.

“We expect traffic jams during morning and afternoon’s rush hours.  So our personnel will help alleviate traffic congestion, especially in areas near public schools,” he said.

He said the personnel will be deployed early Monday and the succeeding days to ensure the smooth flow of traffic as schools open.

Based on the records of the Department of Education Cebu City District, Cebu City has 122 public schools with 182,000 enrollees.

For safety, Ouano urged parents and students to make use of pedestrian crosswalks/lanes and skywalks in crossing the street.

A lot of pedestrians would instead choose to jaywalk and risk life and limb, and in turn affect the city’s traffic.

Ouano also warned motorists not to park their vehicles along the no-parking zones in Cebu City to avoid getting clamped and fined.

He also reminded motorists to follow traffic signs to avoid accidents.

He said the enforcers will be detailed back to their original deployment after a week.

Aside from traffic enforcers, Ouano said, policemen and barangay tanods will also help man the traffic flow.

On the other hand, DepEd Cebu City District Superintendent Dr. Bianito Dagatan said the national government had committed for additional classrooms to accommodate all the students.

As of now, he said there are 47 newly-completed rooms, while 40 rooms are nearing completion.

He said there are 206 rooms that are still being constructed and 143 that are being repaired.

Meanwhile, authorities claimed that threats of gangs in Barangay Basak Pardo have been neutralized.

Police Major Regino Maramag Jr., chief of Pardo police, attributed this to heightened police patrolling and visibility.

“We made sure mayroong presence ng police to eliminate lawless elements and to prevent gangs from stirring trouble and recruiting students,” he said.

He said parents should also monitor closely their children’s activities.

Last year, Basak Pardo kid-recruits were burned in wrists and paddled as initiation rites to become gang members.

The kids were recruited by a 17-year-old boy.

Maramag said the gang leader has already left the area. — KBQ (FREEMAN)