President Marcos Jr. said will pursue the development of nearby provinces and cities as a long-term solution to Metro Manila’s worsening traffic woes.
“Traffic is one of our biggest problems in this country. Sadly, it’s been a part of every Filipino’s life, and the traffic in the Philippines is notorious all over the world,” Mr. Marcos said in a vlog on Sunday.
“Metro Manila is congested. So part of the plan is to develop the neighboring provinces and cities,” he added.
Mr. Marcos said developing and improving mobility in Metro Manila’s nearby provinces such as Bulacan, Pampanga, Laguna, and Cavite are among the priorities to address the traffic problems.
The President, however, asked for understanding as large-scale infrastructure projects take time to be completed.
He said while long-term infrastructure projects are underway, the government is still looking to provide commuters and motorists immediate relief from traffic congestion.
Concerned government agencies and local government units will discuss in detail the steps to be taken that would address the perennial traffic woes, he said.
“Join us through the comment section so we can hear your ideas and suggestions,” the President said.
The town hall meeting-style summit will be at FilOil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City on Wednesday.
Earlier, the President ordered concerned agencies to provide a comprehensive and holistic approach to fix the country’s worsening traffic system.
In a Palace briefing last week, Socioeconomic Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the President gave his instructions during a recent cabinet meeting.
“We had a very long discussion on the traffic issue and the President gave instructions to everyone to submit their recommendations, how their respective offices will adjust and configure their work environment,” Balisacan said.
“But what the President really wants is a comprehensive, holistic approach to solving the traffic problem – not the piecemeal approach as has been the case all these years,” he added.
Balisacan said President Marcos is looking toward an intermodal transport system and how the system would operate efficiently as a whole.
He however stated the planned approach should also help all the other transport systems such as bike lanes, motorcycle lanes, and feeder roads.