VOL. 9 ISSUE 111 • SUNDAY - MONDAY, JULY 31 - AUGUST 1, 2016
P 15.00 • 20 PAGES
www.edgedavao.net
EDGEDAVAO Dear Inday Sara Serving a seamless society
Inside Edge
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Davao’s residents suggest ways to make city a more peaceful, disciplined and progressive place to live in
By Alexander D. Lopez, Cheneen R. Capon, Funny Pearl Gajunera and Kenneth Irving K. Ong
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HIRTY people were interviewed by EDGE Davao to obtain their insights on what initiatives the administration of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio should prioritize in the next three years. The lady mayor, who was unanimously voted into office, is on her second term after serving her first term as local chief executive from 2010 to 2013. The informal survey was conducted through face-toface interviews and text messages, and the respondents were composed of businessmen, vendors, employees of both public and private institutions, drivers and students. The survey revealed three main concerns the city government must immediately attend to: traffic, health, and peace and order.
On Traffic Woes All of the respondents noted that if the traffic situation in the city is not decisively addressed, its adverse effects would be felt by residents in the coming years. “Traffic congestion in Davao now is not that tough compared to Metro Manila. Mayor Sara’s administration must address this as early as now in order to prevent it from becoming a nightmare,” said a businessman, who asked that this identity be withheld. A realtor pointed out: “Traffic in Davao City is caused by narrow roads, undisciplined drivers and commuters. Old cars that are more than 10 years should not be in the streets anymore.” Two students, on the other hand, said the clearing and
Thirty people were interviewed by EDGE Davao to obtain their insights on what the administration of Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio should prioritize in the next three years. Three main concerns emerged from the informal survey: traffic, health and peace and order. ADL widening of side streets must be done to allow the smooth flow of vehicles. Three drivers also observed the slow completion of infrastructure projects along the city’s main thoroughfares which has aggravated the traffic problem. “The neverending road repair,” observed an architect. Two private employees said most traffic jams are caused by vehicles parked along the city’s main streets, as drivers oftentimes pick up passengers in non-designated areas. The respondents also called on the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to “synchronize all its repairs” in order not to aggravate the problems faced by motorists.
Meanwhile, a bank teller said it’s about time to pursue the proposal to build the Davao City railway system as a key measure to ease the city’s traffic woes. “Discipline,” another employee said, adding this must be observed by the city’s residents, as she noted the influx of people moving to Davao City, particularly migrants from neighbouring towns and provinces. A restaurant owner also observed that not all police and traffic enforcers are equipped with speed guns. These devices, she said, would serve as a deterrent to speed demons, particularly those plying the city’s side streets. “Let’s get global,” another businessman stressed, saying pedestrians must work hand in hand with authorities to ensure the city’s streets are “walkable.” He added that aside from the abandoned road repairs which have affected the sales of his business establishment along Jacinto Street, he has never felt comfort walking the city’s streets due to numerous obstructions. “[They are] not even considering [the establishment] of PWD (People with Disability) – friendly paths,” he said. He said one of the solutions to ease traffic congestion is the strict enforcement of traffic laws and regulations, particularly for motorists who illegally park along sidewalks. “It may help if sidewalks are really cleared and [expanded] so that can be [efficiently] utilized by pedestrians,” he
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