Living abroad many years, I’ve observed that people in modern, industrialized countries observe the pedestrian lane sign along the streets while driving or crossing them.

Marikina City and Mayor Bayani Fernando. I’m also impressed that in Marikina City I observe that pedestrians cross the street where there is a pedestrian lane, and motorists stop to let the pedestrians cross. A related rule observed is “Pedestrians first.”

In the nine years when our Kalayaan College (1900-1999) was located in the Riverbanks in Marikina, I learned that Mayor Bayani Fernando was a local leader who strongly believed in the ideal of “law and order”: the “rule of law” and law enforcement by the government; and the rule that citizens should observe the law and rules. I remember that he campaigned on the “the rule of law” and “law and order” when he ran for Vice-President with Richard Gordon as the presidential candidate.

So, I thought the law enforcers and the people in Marikina had learned the ideal and habit of law and order, including observance of the pedestrian lane sign. Thanks to the leadership and example of good leadership.

Antipolo City. I have now lived in Antipolo City since 1969, or 46 years. Antipolo is the capital city of the province of Rizal, 25 kilometers east of Manila. It is a first class city and the third most competitive city in the country. Its population in 2010 was 677 million.

So I have some observations to share related to transportation, traffic, pedestrian lanes, and city governance.

Under Antipolo Mayor Jun Henares, the City has been cleaner. Because he lives in our Beverly Hills Subdivision our roads are improving. Our street, Dahlia Drive, has finally been paved with concrete. We waited 46 years for this to happen.

Transportation has increased in the City center and along Sumulong Highway connecting City center with Marikina, and along Ortigas Avenue to Taytay and Pasig down to Quezon City as it has in most of Metro Manila.

As ever tri-cycles abound and drive madly along the streets in Antipolo center. The rumor is that there are more tri-cycles in Antipolo than in any other city in the country. I find it risky to drive around the City center and I have to be very careful.

Fortunately and hopefully, DMCI has started construction of the extension of LRT 3 from Pasig to Masinag. Promising alleviation of the woes of commuters from Antipolo and back home.

Pedestrian lanes in Antipolo City. As in most of Antipolo center, drivers and pedestrians ignore the pedestrian lane and signs. With some exceptions, pedestrians cross the street wherever they please, at their own risk.

Most drivers have their way, not knowing or observing that pedestrians should have priority in the streets and roads over drivers and vehicles.

I seldom see policemen enforcing the pedestrian lanes, giving pedestrians priority over drivers of vehicles; and stopping pedestrians from crossing wherever they please. It seems very chaotic and unsafe for most citizens.

I ask my driver to observe all pedestrian lane signs and give pedestrians priority in crossing the pedestrian lanes. Only occasionally do I see police officers or barangay members attending the pedestrian lanes.

We daily see that jeepney passengers are allowed to ride by standing at the rear of the vehicle. Apparently police and  government officials allow the practice. This is dangerous to the concerned passengers and the drivers and vehicles following the jeepney.

What are the City’s knowledge and policy on public safety in transportation, driving, and pedestrian behavior and safety? I don’t know. We, City residents, may not be duly informed.

What do public and private schools teach their pupils and students on public safety in transportation, driving, and pedestrian behavior? I don’t know. We, City residents, may not be duly informed.

What does the Department of the Interior and Local Governments do for public safety, driving, and pedestrian behavior? I don’t know. We, city residents, are not informed by the DILG.

Bahala na! If this our general attitude and behavior as citizens, government officials, and educators or teachers, we encourage lawlessness. The  “Rule of Law”  will be exceptional; or not in force.

We invite our honorable and amiable Antipolo Mayor Jun Henares to lead us in our concern over “Pedestrian lanes and safety and Government responsibility.”

Gusto ko ang sinasabi ni Mayor: “Antipolo, Numero Uno!”

My email is pepevabueva@gmail.com (By Jose “Pepe” Abueva)