By Princess Haynee B. Pangcatan
MSU Intern
THE rapid urbanization of Cagayan de Oro has intensified a long-standing issue that affects daily routines and livelihoods: worsening traffic congestion.
From vendors and students to public utility drivers and traffic enforcers, the sentiment is shared — the city’s roads are buckling under increasing strain.
Mary Joy Durias, a vendor in Cogon who commutes daily from Opol, said leaving early is no longer optional.
“Mga 6:30 to 7 am [ako umaalis]. Galing Opol papunta Cogon. Sa Bulua at Kauswagan. Mga 7:30 sa umaga traffic na, tapos 6:30 to 7 pm din kasi peak hours yan,” she said, adding that traffic congestion begins early and worsens during peak hours.
Delays directly impact her income. “Pag malate, may bawas. 8:15 am kasi call time, dapat andito na.”
Vendor Asnawi Diamla expressed frustration over accidents and traffic violations that worsen congestion.
“Sa Lapasan to Gusa naa nay traffic, lalo sa mga exit-exit ng siyudad kay may mga banggaan. Yong iba ding public transpo gapikup ng pasahero don sa bawal, at mga private na naga-u-turn don sa bawal. Pag-abot nimo, wala na’y customer kaya bawas talaga sa kita pag malate ka,” he said.
Anna Marie Del Purto, also a vendor, pointed to infrastructure as a contributing factor.
“Masikip na yong daan. Puno ng mga jeep, motorsiklo, at malalaking trucks. Kung sana yong mga jeep may sariling daanan. Ganon din sa motor,” she said.
College student Alexa, who frequently commutes from Claveria, blamed prolonged construction projects for daily traffic jams.
“Mga daanan na inaayos at nirerepair kahit walang sira. O kaya sobrang tagal matapos yong repair kaya one-way at nagkakatraffic. Nakakastress,” she said.
Public transport drivers echoed these concerns. Motorela driver Edwin Francisco, who serves the Gaisano-to-Cogon route, cited a lack of road discipline.
“Yong iba di nagfo-follow ng rules. Hindi nagbibigayan, walang nag-gi-give way. Okay naman ang daan pero grabe kadami ang kotse. Kulang din ang mga sign boards. Yan dapat i-improve ng LGU,” he said.
Jeepney driver Randy Yare, who drives the Centro–Iponan–Cogon route, identified commercial areas as major choke points.
“Kaning mga mall (Centrio, Gaisano, SM), naa diha ang mga traffic kay gasulod ang mga private. Mga service ang makatrapik. Ikontrol ang sakyanan. Kung way control, grabe traffic kay gamay ang daanan,” he said.
The Roads and Traffic Administration (RTA) acknowledged the issue. Marino Deloso Jr., team leader at the CM Recto junction, said several factors are involved.
“Back to school na kaya daghan sasakyanan na makadelay. Yong mga manhole o barricade din, mga government projects pero minsan sobrang tagal matapos kaya gacause pud siya ng delay,” he said.
Deloso stressed the importance of traffic education.
“Naa mi education staff, ga-schedule sa mga skuwelahan ug seminar sa mga driver. If may accident, first thing magtawag mi sa office, mag-ask ng assistance ng ambulance. Pero imbestigahan muna namin,” he said. Responding to road incidents is also part of their protocol.
Despite limited resources, Deloso said the agency is doing its part.
“Kaya ang manpower. Tig lima kami sa mga intersection kay covered ang mga intersection ng RTA. Magdisiplina at musakay sa mga designated area. Kung hindi, kay madakip sila ug masanctionan,” he said, urging the public to cooperate.
As traffic congestion continues to affect Cagayan de Oro residents, calls for long-term solutions — improved infrastructure, stricter law enforcement, and public discipline — are growing louder.
Until then, daily gridlock remains a frustrating norm.
