Iloilo City mayor urges public to follow traffic rules

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Iloilo City Mayor Raisa Treñas-Chu has called on students and the public to strictly follow traffic rules after a recent jaywalking incident involving several minors along Diversion Road.

A group of students was caught on video walking along the barrier of the center island at Diversion Road in Mandurriao district, a national road and major bypass highway.

In the video, the students can be seen climbing over the median fence and attempting to cross the busy thoroughfare as vehicles honked while passing by. The spot where they crossed has no designated pedestrian lane.

The students have been identified through the coordination of the Public Order and Safety Management Office and the Traffic Transportation and Management Office, according to the mayor.

Treñas-Chu directed both offices to work with the schools of the minors to instill proper discipline and raise awareness about the dangers of such actions.

“We remind our students and the general public that Diversion Road is a major thoroughfare that is dangerous for pedestrians,” Treñas-Chu said.

“We urge everyone to use pedestrian lanes, the overpass, and designated crossings to avoid accidents and ensure everyone’s safety,” she added.

The city government is continuing its road safety initiatives, the mayor said, but emphasized that public cooperation is essential.

“Respect for traffic discipline is not only for our own protection but also for the safety of others,” she said.