CAGAYAN DE ORO — As the holiday frenzy slows down to a complete halt, take a deep breath because we are back to our normal grind.
Kagay-anons had survived the holiday rush, and such was an epic time facing off upfront Cagayan de Oro’s horrendous traffic here and there. It was a year -end celebration worth a penny to cherish sans traffic woes we had it all experienced to the hilt in this City of Golden Traffic.
We are now back to real time and it means facing off ( again) Cagayan de Oro’s one hell of traffic woes. And we have this deafening silence about Cagayan de Oro’s hellish traffic problem that are just being kept running through our viens.
The city’s traffic problem has been here for quite a time and therefore we have to endure, embrace it with extra patience, humility and understanding it being a part and parcel of the boom of a city like Cagayan de Oro, a melting pot, an emerging metropolis in the making.
Such was a traffic scenario seen in many urban centers worldwide, and Cagayan de Oro City is no exception to that. Cagayan de Oro’s traffic problem is now considered a social issue due to its widespread impact on our daily life.
The congestion contributes to longer commute time, increased stress levels, and productivity losses.
Cagayan de Oro’s traffic conditions make driving hazardous, particularly at night or during adverse weather conditions.
Air pollution is another danger caused by traffic jams. Motor vehicles are some of the highest emitters of greenhouse gasses. The more time that cars spend on the road, the more emissions that are released into the atmosphere.
So what causes Cagayan de Oro’s traffic problem?
There are no dedicated sidewalks. And because there are no sidewalks, people are walking on the streets adding to traffic congestion.
No useful public transport. Why are people buying two cars rather than use the buses, or jeepneys? Because these are dangerous, filthy and unfit for humans. Would you let your 11-year old use decades-old jeepneys without worrying?
Bicycle lanes would be a big help in mitigating traffic but city government officials are outright idiots. They shun public sentiments and opinions once they gained foothold. 2025 is election year and again these vultures of public funds are starting courting the electorate, promising the heavens to fall on us, even to the extent of buying votes to stay in power.
We are indeed butthurt. If you suggest these solutions, they will just tell you to leave the country, or relocate to the boondocks somewhere in Bukidnon.
Also, one of the main reasons why traffic in this city grows by leaps and bounds is due to the overpopulated vehicles plying on the roads and streets, even in narrow alleys only dedicated for pedestrians.
With more cars, poor road management, and poor traffic practices, this city of almost a million becomes a good copy of Metro Manila’s traffic problem. Meantime, wear your seatbelts and take heart of Cagayan de Oro’s traffic. Like it or not, we are back to normal. Enjoy your ride!
