By Jason Neola

 

NAGA CITY, Philippines — The city government of Naga is set to identify suitable loading and unloading zones as part of a broader plan to address traffic congestion, particularly in Central Business Districts (CBD) 1 and 2 and along Peñafrancia Avenue, Jacob Street, and M.T. Villanueva Avenue (formerly Liboton Street).

Mayor Leni Robredo said traffic problems in the city’s busiest areas cannot be solved by simply declaring roads as one-way streets. She noted that even in major urban centers abroad, congestion is addressed not primarily through traffic rerouting but by encouraging walking, cycling, and the use of efficient public transportation.

“In downtown areas, people will choose not to bring their cars if there are enough sidewalks, safe spaces for walking and biking, and if public transport is reliable,” Robredo said.

Along Peñafrancia Avenue, where several schools are located, the mayor pointed out the lack of adequate pedestrian spaces, as sidewalks are often occupied by parked cars and motorcycles. She said reclaiming these areas for pedestrians is essential to improving both traffic flow and public safety.

The city government is also studying the establishment of pay parking areas, particularly in high-traffic zones, to discourage motorists from bringing private vehicles into already congested streets. Robredo said identifying alternative parking areas is a prerequisite before enforcing stricter no-parking policies along roads and streets.

Several vacant lots are being considered for pay parking, although negotiations are yet to be undertaken as the property owners are currently not based in the city, she added.

In coordination with a group led by Engr. Edmer Flores of the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), the city is likewise exploring solutions on where public utility vehicles (PUVs) can properly load and unload passengers.

To address complaints about PUVs spending excessive time at terminals while waiting to fill up with passengers, Robredo said funds have been allocated in the city’s proposed 2026 annual budget to subsidize public transport operations. T

he subsidy aims to compensate drivers for passengers they might miss if they adhere to strict schedules.

“Many commuters complain that they arrive late at work or school because PUVs wait too long before leaving,” Robredo said. “We want PUVs to follow proper timing so passengers can rely on them.”

She explained that once PUVs operate on a predictable schedule, passengers will know when and where to ride, making the system more efficient for both drivers and commuters.

Robredo emphasized that the proposed traffic reforms will not happen overnight, noting that her administration is pioneering several of these approaches in the city.

She said the public will be invited to participate in the decision-making process during the traffic summit scheduled in January 2026.

“What we want is a solution that will work in the long term, not just something that provides temporary relief,” the mayor said.