ILOILO City — To prevent gridlock and ensure smoother movement around the soon-to-open Iloilo Terminal Market, the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s (SP) Committee on Transportation has endorsed a one-way, two-lane traffic flow for the surrounding streets — a move grounded on traffic impact studies and consultations with stakeholders.
Committee chairperson Councilor Sedfrey Cabaluna said the decision came after a comprehensive evaluation by the Office of the City Planning and Development Coordinator (OCPDC), which found that keeping the current two-way setup along De Leon, Fuentes, Mabini, and Rizal streets would “cause severe congestion and safety risks” because of the narrow roads and heavy pedestrian volume.
“The data and our own site inspections clearly show that a one-way circulation will make traffic more manageable and safer for both motorists and pedestrians once the market opens,” Cabaluna said. “We want to ensure that accessibility does not come at the expense of mobility and public safety.”
The OCPDC’s proposal — fully supported by Cabaluna’s committee — also integrates designated parking slots, loading and unloading bays, and pedestrian waiting areas to enhance safety and enforcement. It follows the city’s long-term mobility framework aimed at balancing commercial accessibility with efficient traffic flow.
For the Iloilo Central Market, however, the committee backed the retention of the two-way traffic flow along Guanco Street, citing the need to maintain accessibility for delivery trucks, vendors, and public transport operators.
Cabaluna pointed out that while the Traffic and Transport Management Office (TTMO) earlier proposed a two-way setup for both public markets, the technical review revealed otherwise.
“A two-way scheme may look good on paper, but in practice, it would lead to bottlenecks, reduced pedestrian space, and safety hazards,” he said.
The committee has also recommended a trial run of the one-way system before its full implementation and called for a review of existing parking ordinances to align them with the proposed configuration.
Cabaluna assured that the city’s approach to urban mobility remains grounded in public interest.
“We want a system that works not just for vehicles, but for people — one that supports business activity while keeping the area safe and livable,” he said./PN
