WITH millions of people using the roads every day, traffic congestion is one of the most pressing issues, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR), especially along EDSA.
Commuters experience higher levels of stress, decreased productivity, and increased air pollution due to traffic delays.
To address the worsening traffic woes, Officials held a town hall meeting on Wednesday, April 10, in San Juan City.
Among the attendees were President Bongbong Marcos, several secretaries of government agencies, local governments in Metro Manila, and various stakeholders.
Heads of several government agencies such as the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Economic Development Authority (NEDA), and the Civil Service Commission (CSC).— were also present
The focus of the discussion was on the traffic situation in Metro Manila, as well as the causes and effects of traffic congestion.
According to MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes, one of the main causes of traffic congestion in Metro Manila is the continuous increase in the number of vehicles on the roads.
He stated that based on data, from 3.2 million passing vehicles in the NCR per day in 2021, it has increased to 3.6 million in 2023.
According to the government, 60% of the Philippines’ economy comes from Metro Manila.
Based on a study conducted by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the economic cost of traffic per day reached 4.9 billion in 2020.
If the traffic problem is not addressed and the government does nothing about it, the economic cost of traffic could reach 9.4 billion by 2027.
Artes stressed that the permanent solution to worsening traffic is improving infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, and efficient mass transportation.
On the other hand, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista wants to emphasize the long-term goals of transportation projects such as railway systems that will provide a permanent solution to the traffic problem in the metropolis.
Among the department’s major projects are the MRT-7, LRT-1 Cavite Extension, Metro Manila Subway, North-South Commuter Railway System, as well as the Public Utility Vehicle Modernization Program and EDSA Greenways Project.
DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan also discussed some of the infrastructure projects aimed at providing alternative routes to alleviate traffic congestion.
According to Secretary Bonoan, the traffic decongestion program focuses on improving and expanding the national road network by building more bypasses, diversion roads, expressways, flyovers, interchanges, and underpasses.
Meanwhile, an open forum was also held during the “town hall meeting on traffic concerns” to provide an inclusive platform for various sectors to express their questions and concerns about the traffic situation.
Representatives from various groups such as Local Chief Executives; Barangays; Traffic and Parking Management Offices; Business Sector; Transport Group; and Private Sector were present.
It can be remembered that Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay, criticized the severe traffic in Metro Manila during their concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
President Bongbong Marcos, who was also spotted attending the concert, appeared embarrassed.
Filipino commuters were also dismayed, especially since they found it insensitive to the daily struggles of ordinary Filipinos facing severe traffic.
Marcos was also criticized by many netizens after flying to the Philippine Arena using the presidential helicopter, even though it was not related to the president’s duties.
