(Filipino Automologist Harold thinks that if traffic congestion is solved, the economic and productivity losses amounting to USD 32 Billion a year that can be avoided would be able to pay Phlippines debts in 7-10 years)
image source : theaseanpost.com
The Christmas season in the Philippines, a country that celebrates Christmas the longest, is about to end. Whilst festivities, parties, gift giving, massive discount sales in malls, Christmas carols in the air and decorations on the streets highlight the season, the spoiler of the season is the monstrous daily traffic jams that hit the streets of most metropolis—Metro Manila, Metro Cebu, Metro Davao and of vacations spots like Baguio and Tagaytay.
Image source : theglobalfilipinomagazine.com
Metro Manila ranks second worst in the world in terms of traffic congestion according to a recent study. Jakarta, Indonesia is still holding on the top spot. Some 10 years ago Metro Manila was 8th in the world and we moved to 2nd worst in 10 years—we never improved, we even got worst. Maybe in a year or two we will dethrone Indonesia—to our shame!
This is now a very serious problem that needs urgent attention and long term solutions. It looks like our government officials know the problem as seen in the chart above. The population is rapidly increasing, while the road infrastructure is very limited, and public transportation options are insufficient. The obvious results: daily traffic jams, increased travel time not to mention increased air pollution. The situation is even worse during rush hours turning EDSA, Commonwealth Avenue, and Quezon Avenue as virtual parking lots. If you have a stroke or heart attack during traffic jams, you die in traffic!
How can these self-drum-beating politicians and brain-drained bureaucrats say they did a good job at governing this nation whose very basic problem of traffic congestion costing losses to the economy in terms of unnecessary fuel costs, productivity losses and related costs to the tune of 5 Billion Pesos (88 Million US Dollars) a day or 32 Billion dollars a year? Even if we can just fix the traffic jam by 50% hence reducing economic losses by 16 Billion USD a year, Philippines will be able to pay all its debts in 10 years. So to all senators and congressmen running for office next year, craft a law with a comprehensive and long-term program to solve our traffic problems instead of all your cute little promises to the unlearned Filipino masses whose votes you covet to buy.
To be fair, there have been Initiatives to address this problem by putting up more roads, expanding the MRT and LRT systems, as well as other traffic management schemes, but a comprehensive solution has to be finally worked out and implemented strictly. The construction of the long overdue subway system which will be finished in a few years will help.
Here is one for the legislators to think. Convert 50% of all the space beneath ( i meant underground) Metro Manila into a sub-way train system. Get a private-public partnership arrangement or toll system to fund this. And, we solve 50% of Metro Manila traffic problem.
What else do you think can be done to solve these traffic mess of the Philippines? Your voice is precious!
Oh by the way, if you are stuck in traffic often consuming unnecessary fuel, we have a product , called X-1R, that can help you save on your fuel consumption by 7-15%. If you want to order any X-1R product and see what it can do for your old or new vehicle, you may contact us through Facebook X1R Philippines or call us at +63 956 809 5284. We are also now in LazMall and Shopee.
