As the radio static signals the conclusion of the pilot’s announcement, a pleasant chime and a flash of the seat belt sign indicate that I am nearing my destination. As we begin our descent, the expanse of clouds transforms into a majestic canopy, and a glance out of the airplane window unveils the vast blue ocean. This expanse is dotted with islands, boats, and if one were to look closely, even people. However, in the blink of an eye, the vibrant blue fades into darkness. It is at this moment that I know I have arrived home.
But this city, Manila, holds another sea of surprises. Seasoned travelers in Manila are well aware that their journey doesn’t end at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. It continues along Highway 54. The view from above, which once showcased breathtaking clouds and the ocean’s colors, is now replaced by the serpentine red glow of brake lights illuminating the congested Edsa like a dazzling Christmas tree. A study of 389 cities ranked Manila as the ninth most congested city in the 2022 Traffic Index. On average, it took Filipinos 27 minutes to travel a mere 10 kilometers in Metro Manila last year. To put it in perspective, this is equivalent to running the academic oval in the University of the Philippines four and a half times at a steady pace of six minutes per round. Impressive for a person, but disheartening for a vehicle.
However, these numbers are not even the worst that our streets have to offer. Take, for example, the daily commute from Quezon City to the Makati central business district, which covers only 20 kilometers. This seemingly short journey can easily demand a two-hour investment. A global study suggests that the average person will spend approximately a year of their life sitting in traffic. But for commuters in Manila, this might be considered a dream. Here, one-twelfth of the day is spent confined to the commute, if they are fortunate enough to secure a seat.
Now, I may not be a modern-day Pythagoras, but it doesn’t require a bachelor’s degree in mathematics to understand that Philippine traffic congestion is a much larger problem than the global figure suggests. Just last week, the Philippines welcomed Bruno Mars back home. The renowned singer held a two-day concert at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan. However, the true “arena” experience was found outside of the venue. Along the North Luzon Expressway, Bruno Mars’ fanbase, known as the “hooligans,” lamented over crawling in traffic for hours, only to catch a glimpse of the concert venue from a few kilometers away, missing out on the “uptown funk.” It’s a case of being so close, yet still so far.
But the issue goes beyond trivial matters like wasted tickets or inconvenience. The problem with traffic congestion isn’t just the time it takes, but the time it steals away. It’s about the minutes that are lost and the moments that are missed. Moments that could have been spent with loved ones, creating memories. The tragedy of traffic lies in the opportunities it steals from us. The core of this issue goes beyond finding more efficient ways to travel from point A to point B. It delves into a fundamental question about the value of time—time that could be spent not just by ourselves but on ourselves. Time for personal development, pursuing hobbies, learning new skills, resting, and growing. Stuck in the labyrinth of Metro Manila’s traffic, these opportunities are lost to the growl of engines and the blare of horns. Traffic becomes the author of the unwritten pages of our Book of Life.
Indeed, the traffic misery in Metro Manila is a harsh reality, but it doesn’t have to be our permanent fate. The common solution proposed by infrastructure experts is to construct more roads. However, to borrow a line from Doc Brown, “Where we’re going, we don’t need roads.” At least, not just roads. Skyways and highways are both part of the problem and part of the solution. Mayor Gustavo Petro of Bogotá (now the president of Colombia) once said, “A developed country is not where the poor have cars. It’s where the rich use public transportation.” With this mindset, we must look beyond roads and explore alternative modes of transportation. It’s time to prioritize the development of train lines and busways, not just leisurely highways for private commutes. Sometimes, the solutions to our problems are right in front of us. We need to make room for our feet in the infrastructure discourse. Metro Manila can alleviate traffic congestion by creating walker and biker-friendly pathways. Journeys don’t have to be constantly jammed. Traffic shouldn’t act as a roadblock to creating memories, nor should we lose precious moments to the chaos of the city. Addressing traffic congestion means reclaiming our lives from the gridlock.
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