A typical example of motorists not allowing other drivers to merge or pass, due to a lack in road courtesy. (Photo Courtesy: Metropolitan Manila Development Authority) 

Traffic is a big problem for drivers and commuters whenever there are too many people, too many cars, and not enough good roads or public transportation to go around. In the Philippines, the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is working on infrastructure development projects to improve public transport and roads, which help reduce traffic jams.

The President, however, highlighted that infrastructure alone will not solve the traffic issue. Instead, it must be coupled with a significant change in Filipinos’ road culture. 

In particular, President Marcos urged Filipinos to strictly observe road courtesy and discipline at all times, knowing that these form part of immediate measures to address traffic congestion, particularly on urban transportation networks. 

“Ang Bagong Pilipino ay disiplinado sa kalye, sumusunod sa batas trapiko, nagbibigay sa kapwa at higit sa lahat, hindi naghari-harian sa daan,” Marcos highlighted in his latest vlog posted on his official Youtube channel, which can be viewed here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ThoL8Gle5U0. 

(A Bagong Pilipino is disciplined on the road, follows traffic rules, courteous, and most of all, knows how to ride with due care and attention.) 

In line with this, President Marcos highlighted the following courtesies that a Bagong Pilipino should make part of their daily lives as motorists: 

• Strictly follow traffic rules: Knowing the right signals to give to other motorists when you intend to stop and turn left or right is one of the simplest road courtesies that you can exercise. This not only promotes traffic safety but also responsible road usage. 
• Give way to other vehicles: Even if you have the right of way, it will not hurt to give way to other vehicles who are taking the same path. Extending this type of assistance to fellow motorists will allow you to coexist on the road with no trouble. 
• Say ‘thank you’ when given consideration: When a fellow motorist lets you pass or overtake, a simple nod of the head or a brief wave of hand indicating your gratitude behind the wheel would mean a lot. Signaling a ‘thank you honk’ will also help in embracing a friendlier road culture. 

Road discipline goes a long way. It is an important pillar of traffic congestion solutions that we can all be a part of. 

“Ang higit na kakulangan nating mga Pilipino sa daan ay ang disiplina. Dapat susunod tayo sa traffic rules. Ang pagbibigayan sa daan ay kailangan pa natin ipaalala sa bawat isa, sa ating mga sarili,” Marcos reminded the Filipinos. 

(What we Filipinos lack the most on the road is discipline. We should follow traffic rules. We should remind ourselves more to give way to others.) 

“Pangungunahan ng pamahalaan at lahat ng mga ahensya ang pagiging disiplinado sa ating mga lansangan. Ang paga-abuso at pagba-balewala sa batas trapiko ay hindi pribilehiyo na kasama sa sinumpaan nating mga lingkod-bayan,” he added, stressing that no one is exempted from following the traffic rules. 

(The government and all agencies will lead by example in terms of being disciplined on the road. The acts of taking advantage and overlooking traffic rules are not privileges that come with our oath as public servants.) 

Meanwhile, Marcos expressed the commitment of the government to continue developing localized solutions to traffic by fostering a close collaboration with local government units (LGUs). 

After all, the Bagong Pilipinas brand of governance is characterized by solutions and innovation that keep pace with the changing times. (JMP/PIA-NCR)