Pque gov’t wants to improve traffic in city: Holds seminar

he Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and the Parañaque City Government conducted a traffic management seminar/workshop  on August 16 and 17, 2012 at the Parañaque City Hall.

Taking part in said seminar were traffic enforcers from the P’que Management Office, local PNP and barangay government units. The training is part of a continuing program intended to upgrade the skills and ensure uniformity of citations for traffic rules violations.  Coordinating for the city was Traffic Management Office head Louie Perez.

Discussed during the 2-day activity were mechanics of traffic management and operations; road rules; and other concerns including road sign recognition. The participants were also made to “direct traffic” in a succeeding simulation in the training venue. The proceedings were supervised by MMDA Training Division Chief Annie Verdeflor Canaoay.

“To ensure the smooth flow of traffic and to keep our road network safe, we in the Parañaque City Government exert great efforts to hone the skills of our traffic management personnel and their counterparts. As part of the traffic engineering routine, we put up and maintain road signs, road markings, traffic lights, lane separators and barriers as well as pedestrian overpass where there need be. We have even installed CCTV cameras on our roadways to monitor traffic slowdown, vehicular accidents and crime. To make travels in the city refreshing, we have lined-up traffic center islands with plants and trees. Our roads and pedestrian lanes are well-lighted and nighttime trips are safe as those at daytime.”, Parañaque Mayor Jun Bernabe said.

The mayor called on motorists and pedestrians alike to abide by traffic rules and regulations; respect enforcers, road signs, markings and traffic light signals; for motorists, to keep their vehicles roadworthy; to observe road courtesy, drive calmly and defensively, not giving to “road rage”; for pedestrians to use “zebra crossings”, sidewalks and  pedestrian overpass; and for public utility jeepneys to load and unload passengers only on designated stops, not on street corners, among others.

Meanwhile, the Parañaque chief executive advised motorcycle riders to do the same, adhere to safety protocols like wearing safety helmet; observe motorcycle load capacity specification, limiting backride to just one person; stay on lane; keep off sidewalks; curb “urge for speed”; and refrain from dangerous stunts, maneuvers and right hand-passes.