Good early signs – and the usual transition woes

It’s only been five days since the new administrations in Cebu City and Cebu Province assumed office, and I’m already seeing visible improvements, particularly in traffic flow along the Banilad-IT Park corridor, a route I take every day.

- Atty, Ian Vincent Manticajon

I think this is connected to the reopening of the access road on V. Padriga Street, which links the Banilad/Kasambagan area to IT Park. A ceremonial opening was held on July 1, and the road was actually opened to motorists the following day after the area was cleaned.

Designating the Banilad-Talamban corridor as a 'discipline zone' also seems to have helped ease traffic flow even during peak hours, with numerous 'no left turn' signs and clear markers or barriers guiding motorists into their designated lanes.

My observations, however, are anecdotal, and it remains to be seen whether these recent efforts to improve traffic flow in the area will be sustainable. For sure, these are temporary fixes, and more systemic and lasting reforms are needed.

I’ve been hearing talks of power plays and political influence-peddling being made here and there. Cebu is a small place, and we all have common friends supporting those who won in the May elections. It seems some are already disappointed this early, or are still waiting for things to fall into place their way.