Traffic Lights Signal Systems now up at 2 highway junctions in GenSan

Last Friday, August 7, 2009, about a hundred or so, of General Santos City’s movers and shakers gathered at the sidewalk fronting the old Floirendo property (future site of Microtel and McDo), at the junction of the National Highway and Santiago Boulevard.  Across the road is the newly expanded St. Elizabeth Hospital and farther to its right is the 24-hour Jollibee Drive-Thru Outlet.

“St. Elizabeth Hospital, shot from the ceremony area for the inauguration of the National Highway Traffic Lights Signal Systems.” Photo by Kyawster.

Together with them were GenSan Mayor Jun Acharon, Congresswoman Darlene Antonino-Custodio and Vice Mayor Flor Congson who were to lead the three teams assigned to cut the ribbons signalling the inauguration of the Tuna Capital’s newest Traffic Lights Signal Systems, which Bariles first blogged about, a year ago.

“Representative Darlene Custodio delivering her message before a select audience from among the various sectors of GenSan, minutes before the Switch-On of the new Trafficl Lights Signal System at the National Highway.” – foto by Kyawster

The new parish priest of Our Lady of Peace and Good Voyage Parish, Fr. Giovanni Ongcog, CP first blessed the traffic lights.

“OLPGV Parish Priest Fr. Giovanni Ongcog, CP bless one of the traffic lights post. With him are Mayor Acharon and Representative Custodio. At the background is the 24-hour Jollibee Drive-Thru.” – photo by Bariles

The first set is at the junction of the National Highway and Santiago Boulevard itself, the scene of numerous traffic incidents.

“GenSan First Couple Mayor Jun Acharon and wife Dra. Rose lead the cutting of the ribbon crisscrossing the Santiago Boulevard, assisted by city officials and guests, including City Councilor Oco, Dr. Veneracion, Rey Billena of the City Tourism Council, Rey Albano of Holy Trinity College, among others.”- foto by Kyawster

The second set is located at the National Highway and Jose Catolico Avenue crossing, right infront of the NFA Compound.

“Congresswoman Darlene Custodio and other Special Guests, including former LTO-GenSan Chief Gauvain Benzonan applaud, after cutting the ribbon representing the Highway-J.Catolico Junction Traffic Lights Signal System. Assisting them were City Councilors Dante Vicente, Richard Atendido, Meg Santos, Jun Avila, Odjok Acharon with Fil-Chinese Chamber Prexy Paul Gaisano, among others.” – foto by Bariles

The 2nd set flanked by the NFA, DXCP, and Duratrak is also another infamous accident-prone site.  Now with these two traffic lights signal systems in place, these mishaps may be minimized or better still, eradicated altogether,

“Vice Mayor Flor Congson cuts the ribbon across the National Highway fronting Landbank and Jollibee, assisted by City Hall Department Heads Rodilon Lacap and Jon Quimosing, together with Landbank Manager Luz Ecarma, among others.” – photo by Kyawster

After the blessing and the cutting of ribbons, Mayor Acharon, who was turning 51 the following day, switched on the signal system, eventually paving the way for the generals to start utilizing this P18.4 million project which will surely ease the traffic woes of the travellers in these super busy junctions.

“Mayor Jun Acharon fiddling with the different switches to start the Traffic Lights System at the National Highway.” – photo by Bariles

Next hot spot for the traffic lights signal system is the Makar Port-National Highway Crossing in Calumpang and the National Highway-Aparente Avenue Junction.   Thanks to the Transportation Task Force ( Chief of Staff Ernie Quisay, Glennville Gonzales, Rizza Paces, Mylene Gecosala, Judith Janiola, Jahal Adat, among others), for the tip.

“One of the new Traffic Lights Set” – photo by Kyawster

With these in place, let’s just hope that the driving public adhere to these traffic signals, especially the tricycle and the motorbike drivers.