MABALACAT CITY – The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here passed two resolutions to help ease the worsening traffic condition and prepare for the influx of vehicles for the coming Asia Pacific Economic Conference (APEC) summit in 2015.
Citing the worsening traffic condition as well as the preparation for the APEC, the SP passed Resolution No. 127 and 128 requesting the Clark Development Corp. (CDC) to initiate the upgrading and construction of the Clark east perimeter road as well as the reopening the Clark-Dau Gate respectively.
The SP said the Clark East Perimeter road will serve as an alternate way for the expected volume of vehicles going to and from Clark while the construction of the Clark east perimeter road will help ease the worsening traffic condition along the MacArthur Highway here.
Sponsored by Councilor Amauri “Bok” Tiglao, both SP resolutions were contained in the minutes of the 45th regular session of the SP held on June 24. The twin resolutions urge CDC through its President Arthur P. Tugade to help in the worsening traffic of the city which includes more than 90 percent of the Clark Freeport as part of its territorial jurisdiction.
The Clark east perimeter road will start from SM City Clark to the Mabalacat gate of the Clark Freeport. A similar resolution enacted by the Dau Barangay Council was also passed earnestly urging the mayor and the SP to intervene in behalf of the barangay to request the proper authorities to reopen the Clark-Dau Gate that will serve as an alternate route for vehicles.
It can be recalled that during the time of the Americans in Clark, the Clark-Dau Gate was opened for the benefit of Filipino civilian employees. The Clark-Dau Gate was closed by the CDC and the Clark International Airport Corp. a few years ago citing security reasons.Meanwhile, Mayor Marino “Boking” Morales said the city is experimenting with a new traffic scheme to help solve the worsening traffic in the downtown area.
Morales said from 6 to 9 am and from 4 to 8 pm from Monday to Saturday or during rush hour, vehicles going to Clark may use Velasquez Street leading to the MacArthur Highway which is designated as a one-way street while those exiting Clark are directed to make a right turn to the street leading to Barangay San Francisco and the public cemetery.
