Tagbilaran City Councilor Nerio Zamora II shared feedback on the experimental traffic management scheme near Bohol Wisdom School, flagged congestion issues at the Dauis junction, and explained why select Saulog Festival activities are pushing through despite the ongoing energy crisis.
On the BWS traffic scheme, Zamora said residents who experienced it reported smoother vehicle flow, though some slowdowns were observed during peak hours without significant delays.
The 30-day experimental scheme has since been rendered moot, he said, as the Department of Public Works and Highways has completed the road project that prompted it.
The school’s summer break and reduced vehicle use due to high fuel costs have also eased traffic in the area.
DAUIS JUNCTION
Zamora identified roadside vendors near the Dauis-Bool junction as a major contributor to congestion there, saying patrons park motorcycles and other vehicles along the road, effectively blocking a lane.
He said he is working to address the situation.
In a related matter, Zamora said vendors at Plaza Rizal are restricted to nighttime selling to avoid disrupting daytime traffic and pedestrian flow.
He said he would also look into the status of mobile stalls along Plaza Rizal fronting St. Joseph Cathedral, including whether operators hold the required business permits.
He said a designated vending area is needed, as the stalls occupy a critical spot that could disrupt traffic.
SAULOG ACTIVITIES
Zamora said certain Saulog Festival activities are continuing because barangay leaders had already signed contracts for them before consultations with Mayor Jane Yap, making suspension impractical and potentially exposing the city to financial and legal risk.
Events including the street dancing and ritual showdown and the Saulog King and Queen Festival will proceed, while Mutya sa Tagbilaran and Maoy sa Mayo were cancelled as cost-cutting measures amid the energy crisis.
Zamora said suspending contractually obligated activities would create complications in liquidating expenses, and that the consensus was it would be less problematic to honor existing contracts.
He added that continuing the activities may help stimulate the local economy.
Yap had earlier cancelled some Saulog events to reduce city expenditures as the energy crisis, driven by the conflict in the Middle East, has strained the city’s finances.
The city has rolled out interventions including fuel subsidies, rice subsidies, and an increase in the tricycle base fare to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices on residents.