TRAFFIC GRIDLOCK IN BAGUIO: A CALL FOR CITIZENS TO ACT BEFORE IT’S TOO LATE

January 28, 2025 JUST IN

Baguio City’s streets are in a gridlock—both literally and figuratively. The charm of the Philippines’ Summer Capital is increasingly overshadowed by its persistent and worsening traffic woes. Despite the implementation of number coding schemes and the diligent efforts of local traffic enforcers, congestion is at an all-time high. The recent holiday season provided a glaring example of just how dire the situation has become. And yet, amid the mounting frustration, hope flickers.

As the city’s political climate intensifies with the upcoming local elections, so too has the public discourse surrounding innovative solutions to Baguio’s traffic crisis. At the center of these discussions is the Smart Urban Mobility Program (S.U.M.P.), a PPP proposal from the private sector. The S.U.M.P. pas proposed offers a high-tech approach to address Baguio’s traffic concerns with minimal financial burden to the city.

It promises world-class systems and technology, supported by a company with the expertise and resources to execute the plan. However, like any major proposal, it has become the subject of heated debate—often steeped in political posturing and conflicting opinions. Yet, as Baguio residents, the question we must ask ourselves is this: if not the S.U.M.P., then what? Are there alternative proposals that match its scope, funding, and potential impact? Unfortunately, as of now, the answer seems to be no.

This leaves us with a critical responsibility. With the City Council set to decide on the S.U.M.P. proposal in the next two months, it is up to us, the citizens of Baguio, to ensure that their decision is guided not by political convenience but by the merit of the project itself. Now is not the time to be swayed by noise or partisan rhetoric. Instead, we must demand action rooted in progress, sustainability, and a vision for a better Baguio—not just for us but for future generations.

As the saying goes, “The only permanent thing in this world is change.” It is time for Baguio to embrace the changes necessary to preserve its legacy while adapting to the demands of a modern city. Let us weigh proposals like S.U.M.P. objectively and encourage leaders to make decisions that align with the city’s long-term needs. Who knows? If we act decisively today, perhaps twenty years from now, the scent of pine trees will once again fill Baguio’s air. But this vision requires action—starting with us.