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Ex-MMDA chief delivers traffic plan for Laoag, Batac

By Dominic B. dela Cruz
Staff reporter

Laoag City—Former Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) chairperson and senatorial candidate Francis Tolentino personally handed over the Traffic Management Plan (TMP) for the cities of Laoag and Batac.

The TMP was requested last year by the two cities to help them cope with the increasing volume of vehicles in the two cities.

Mr. Tolentino personally handed over the plan to Laoag Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas during the regular flag raising ceremony on February 29. Laoag Vice Mayor Michael V. Fariñas and other city officials witnessed the hand-over.

Mr. Tolentino said the plan is a very detailed traffic management long term plan. He added that the plan is good for 10-15 years.

The plan designates the proper tricycle terminals, jeepney terminals, bus stops, traffic signs at the different corners or streets, pedestrian lanes and others related to traffic.

However, this would still need an ordinance from the Sangguniang Panlungsod for its adoption and eventual translation into layman’s terms.

Mr. Tolentino apologized for the late delivery as he stressed that this plan was thoroughly studied by the Traffic Engineering Center.

He added that the TMP would also serve as basis by the national government to grant traffic lights to the city.

In his speech, he took the opportunity to campaign for his senatorial bid this coming May elections.

Mr. Tolentino admits that becoming a national legislator is hard but his experiences as a three-term mayor of Tagaytay City and a former MMDA chairperson molded him to become a stronger and better person in helping those in need.

Ms. Fariñas thanked the former MMDA chairperson for the long-term TMP plan. She said she is hopeful that it would help ease traffic congestion in the city especially during peak hours.

Relative to this, the mayor instructed the city council’s committee on transportation to pass an ordinance for its adoption as one of the requirements.

Likewise, she also asked the assistance of PNP traffic division chief SPO2 Sean Bugaoisan for its implementation in due time.

Mr. Bugaoisan, for his part, also thanked Mr. Tolentino for the TMP. He said they have been waiting for this since last year. He added that they believe the TMP will help solve the traffic congestion in the city.

The traffic chief also expressed hopes that TMP creators considered their suggestions. Mr. Bugaoisan said they gave their inputs during the MMDA team’s visit in the city. He, however, underscored that his trust with the MMDA team is high and the plan they gave will work.

Meanwhile, Mr. Tolentino also went to Batac City to also personally handover the TMP for the city to Batac Mayor Jeffery Jubal Nalupta.

He also solicited the support of Batac residents for his senatorial bid.


Mr. Nalupta thanked Mr. Tolentino for the TMP. He said Batac needs a better traffic management plan as the number of people and vehicles in the city are increasing.

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