A RECENT TRAGIC incident has highlighted an urgent need for comprehensive traffic management in Iloilo City. The death of a pedestrian struck by a speeding minibus is a reminder of the dire consequences of inadequate traffic control, particularly in rapidly developing areas.
The city government mulls retraining for public utility vehicle drivers and even the potential deputization of private security to enforce traffic rules in privately-operated urban zones such as at the Iloilo Business Park in Mandurriao district where the pedestrian got hit. Yet, these proposed measures scratch only the surface of a deeper, systemic problem that demands a more strategic and integrated approach.
The recent incident reflects a broader issue within the city’s growing areas, where traffic regulations often fail to keep pace with development. The challenge is exacerbated by legal constraints that prevent city traffic enforcers from operating within private properties, leading to a jurisdictional gap that jeopardizes public safety.
To bridge this gap, the proposal to deputize security personnel within private estates to enforce traffic ordinances is innovative but not without challenges. Training security personnel to manage traffic safely and granting them enforcement authority are crucial steps, but these are temporary fixes to a systemic issue. Iloilo City requires a holistic traffic management framework that includes infrastructure improvements, technological integration, and public awareness campaigns.
Investing in smart traffic systems could be a game-changer. Technologies like automated traffic signals, speed cameras, and real-time traffic monitoring can significantly enhance enforcement and compliance. Moreover, public education on traffic safety and the responsibilities of both drivers and pedestrians should be intensified to cultivate a culture of safety.
Collaboration between the city government and private entities must also be strengthened. The reluctance to hand over control of critical infrastructures such as privately-run boulevards could be mitigated by partnerships that prioritize public welfare over corporate interests. The successful model adopted by Taguig City in deputizing security personnel in Bonifacio Global City could serve as a blueprint for Iloilo.
Without a doubt, Iloilo City needs to revamp its traffic management strategies. It is imperative it and private sector stakeholders to forge a unified front against the traffic menace to prevent future tragedies and ensure public safety.
