BY: VANESSA BUGTONG

Weeks before Christmas, 59-year-old Nanay Liberty has already started buying items for her noche buena.

She says it’s better to shop early to avoid the last-minute holiday rush.

“Oh, it’s so crowded during Christmas, you can’t even move. I buy groceries little by little, so by Christmas, only the meat is left to purchase,” said Liberty Reyes, shopper.

But even now, the markets are already crowded.

This has also made it difficult for commuters to find transportation.

“I prioritize groceries because of the long taxi lines. With so many people, you need to plan ahead. Even now, see how long the lines are. I waited 20 minutes. In the afternoon, it can take up to one and a half hours if you’re lucky,” she added.

Motorists like Reggie are also struggling to find parking spaces.

He says it wastes time that he could have spent shopping.

According to Reggie De Vera, shopper, “I’ve been driving in circles. There are so many people and cars. It took me 30 minutes to park. I just found a spot now.”

Tourist spots are also filling up, leading to heavier traffic in the city.

PMAJ. Marcy Marron, Public Information Officer – Baguio City Police Office, mentioned, “During the Yuletide season, we expect an influx of visitors, which naturally leads to heavier traffic.”

The Baguio City Police Office has deployed personnel to tourist areas and major roads to manage traffic flow.