What makes the death of Citom traffic aide Maria Theresa Bascones last July 9 especially tragic was that her job of guiding vehicles took place when cars were moving relatively slowly in a congested part of Banilad.
The job of a Citom traffic aide is under appreciated considering the daily risks invovled.
The job doesn’t require one to dodge bullets, but standing in the middle of a road exposed on both sides to heavy traffic with cars and irate drivers is akin to working in a war zone.
Perhaps it’s time to seriously consider giving hazard pay for this entry-level job, which earns a Citom traffic aide just barely above minimum wage or about P10,000 to P11,000.
Being exposed to the toxic fumes of car exhaust is another factor. The medical care package of a Citom traffic aide, which is standard coverage of Philcare insurance can be supplemented by additional consultation benefits.
Bascones was assigned to Gov. M. Cuenco Avenue, part of north Cebu City’s Banilad-Talamban corridor, the flashpoint of traffic woes in the metropolis.
If traffic congestion is getting the mayor’s prime attention because of its ripple effects on the local economy, business owners’ complaints, peace and order, and urban sanity, we should take better care of the human resources who are asked to substitute for a failed traffic signal system in Cebu City.
“Ang tawo gyud na ang mubarog ug muhapsay sa trapiko kay wala man gyud tay signal lights diri,” said Ervic Navarro, the traffic aide who replaced the late Bascones at the junction in front of the Countrymall. (A person has to be the one to stand in the middle of the road to keep traffic flowing smoothly because there are no signal lights there.)
The Korean woman whose van hit the traffic aide may be out on bail but this shouldn’t be a prelude to ending the case through an amicable settlement.
It would dishonor Bascones’ memory to shrug of the death as a normal part of the risks of work. What lessons can be learned from this tragedy?
What meaningful changes can come out of this loss?
To Citom traffic aides who are just doing their job, we the riding public owe our respect, cooperation and gratitude for trying to tame the monstrous traffic we have brought on ourselves.