Tagbak terminal to pilot traffic discipline zone

By Joseph Bernard A. Marzan

The busy Tagbak Terminal area in Jaro district has been selected as the pilot site for Iloilo City’s first designated “Traffic Discipline Zone,” a traffic management initiative aimed at easing congestion through stricter enforcement and educational measures.

City Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna, chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s transportation committee, announced on his Facebook page Saturday, Nov. 15, that he recently met with the Traffic and Transportation Management Office, the City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), the terminal operator, and transport cooperatives and corporations.

The meeting focused on implementing a Traffic Management Plan and establishing the Traffic Discipline Zone around Tagbak Terminal.

CPDO traffic consultant Reymund Jarobilla shared with the media that the zone concept will focus on both education and enforcement of traffic rules among motorists.

Jarobilla’s team identified the Tagbak area as one of 38 chokepoints in their ongoing traffic survey across Iloilo City.

Cabaluna told Daily Guardian on Sunday, Nov. 16, that the Tagbak Terminal will be the first of three initial locations to be designated as Traffic Discipline Zones, followed by sites in the Molo district and the rotunda between the Iloilo Provincial Capitol and The Atrium mall.

He said the Tagbak site was chosen first due to its heavy congestion, attributed to the terminal, nearby subdivisions, and commercial establishments.

“We saw the concerns, especially with the subdivisions, the terminals, and a certain mall — that when you pass by there, there’s always congestion,” Cabaluna said in a phone interview. “We’re addressing loading and unloading zones, where to make U-turns, traffic signages required, [and] proper use of the terminal.”

Under the plan, motorists will initially be guided on proper practices such as where to load and unload, park, or make turns. After a grace period, stricter enforcement of traffic laws will begin.

Cabaluna said the implementation will involve “a lot of changes,” especially the installation of proper traffic signs.

An ordinance is being drafted to formally establish the Traffic Management Plan. It will define designated loading and unloading zones, pedestrian crossings, parking and no-parking areas, and specify penalties for violations.

As a Traffic Discipline Zone, violators in the area should expect steeper fines and stricter enforcement compared to non-designated zones.

“Ultimately, enforcement will have ‘more teeth,’” he said. “Sometimes, for instance, barriers are installed to manage traffic, but enforcers cannot cite violators because they look for loopholes. Even pedestrian crossings are being used as U-turn points.”

“These are things we need to fix — more than infrastructure — we need to instill discipline in drivers and commuters to be in the right place,” Cabaluna added.