By: Angelica Arquero
To help reduce the growing number of road accidents in Baguio City, the local government is pushing for stricter enforcement of a 20-30 kilometers per hour (kph) speed limit.
Joey Klimago, a food delivery rider who navigates the Central Business District daily, supports the measure after having figured in several accidents during his five years on the job.
“If it’s lowered even more, that’s fine,” Joey said. “There are just too many cars on the road.”
He added, “We really ride slow, especially since we’re carrying food. I even had an accident in Bakakeng once because the road was slippery.”
Renato Renon, a veteran taxi driver, echoed the need for caution. “We really have to be careful, our families depend on us,” he said. “There are times when passengers rush us, but I tell them we can’t speed up because of the traffic and risk of accidents.”
In response to the alarming figures, the city government is working closely with the Baguio City Police Office and other agencies to implement the speed regulation.
“We’ve coordinated with motorcycle associations to remind their members to observe traffic rules, especially speed limits,” said Mayor Benjamin Magalong. “We also want them to provide proper training to riders.”
However, the city is also studying the possibility of adjusting the limit in certain areas.
“We can’t uniformly implement 20-30kph across the city.
In areas like South Drive, where road conditions allow for slightly faster travel, 40kph might be more reasonable,” the mayor explained.
According to police data, there have been 381 recorded vehicular incidents in Baguio from January 1 to June 2.
These include 310 cases of reckless imprudence resulting in property damage, eight cases leading to homicide, and one case involving multiple fatalities.
Just on June 1 alone, three separate accidents occurred in different parts of the city.
“These accidents happened late at night and early morning,” said PMaj. Marcy Grace Marron, BCPO spokesperson. “One was a hit-and-run. We’re currently reviewing CCTV footage to identify the driver.”
She added that in another case involving a van, two victims are currently receiving medical treatment.
Authorities continue to call for vigilance on the road. “Safety comes first,” Marron said.
