Only solution, says JVR: Build ‘diversion roads’ to ease Tabunok traffic

CEBU, Philippines - Talisay City Mayor Johnny De los Reyes believes there is no other solution to the traffic problems in Barangay Tabunok but to make diversion roads.

He was, however, quick to add that this may not be a smooth-sailing plan because the City Council is reportedly “blocking” his programs and projects for the city’s infrastructure.

The mayor, better known as “JVR,” said the lingering traffic woes in Talisay City can be mainly attributed to the increasing number of vehicles, yet he said roads have not been widened.

“Actually kining traffic noh, diversion road ra gyud ang makasulbad ini kay hasta ang mga pobre makapalit naman og motor,” he said.

De los Reyes said the Department of Public Works and Highways has urged his administration to pass a resolution supporting the P352 million diversion road projects in Talisay.

He said his ally councilor, Valeriano Ylanan, introduced it to the council four months ago, but majority of the members “laid the measure on the table.”

Since the city has not earmarked funds for such infrastructure works, De los Reyes believed the DPWH project would be strongly beneficial to the city. He said he was disappointed with the council’s action.

Motorists have earlier complained on tricycles and even private vehicles parked along city roads, thereby contributing to traffic congestion.

According to the mayor, the tricycle terminal in Tabunok could not accommodate the volume of vehicles, much more when private vehicles are parked inside the facility.

“Dili na gyud madala sa traffic rules. Nagkatag na lang ang mga sakyanan. Ug ang uban maikog nga mokasaba sa driver sa four wheels mao na nga moabot na lang sila sa karsada mag-parking,” he said.

Ylanan, chairman of the City of Talisay-Traffic Operations Division Authority (CT-TODA), shared the same sentiments with the mayor.

“A diversion road going to market, diversion road to Lagtang and diversion road to the southern part of Cebu could solve the problem,” he said.

He said one of their dilemmas is to discipline erring drivers, especially since they could not issue Temporary Operator’s Permit (TOP), only citations.

Ylanan said issuing TOPs could have imposed stiffer penalties on violating drivers.

He added that manpower issues also hound CT-TODA.

“Mosamot ni ang problema ron tungod kay 90 ra man ka mga personnel sa traffic, unya naa na sab plano nga tangtangon ang 51 kabuok,” he said.

Ylanan said he will follow up on his proposed resolution that was earlier set aside by the city’s legislative body.

He said he will also ask the Land Transportation Office to deputize CT-TODA personnel and allow them to issue TOPs.