Marker for QC’s ‘Killer Highway’ Victims

By Paula Ariola

The Quezon City government will install a marker to commemorate “Killer Highway” victims, near the spot where journalist Chit Estella-Simbulan died in a vehicular accident almost two years ago.

The installation of the marker was in accordance to Resolution No. SP-5581. This is to honor the people who died in one of the most dangerous roads in the country.

“The death of Chit was catalystic in a way, since she was very prominent in education and media. And we all know that prior to her death, mortality rate in the Commonwealth Avenue was already high,” said District 4 Councilor Ivy Lim-Lagman, proponent of the resolution.

The marker would also recognize the partnership of the Quezon City government and University of the Philippines to prioritize road safety along Commonwealth Avenue, now labeled as the country’s “Killer Highway.”

“Before, there were three accidents a day. But this year, there were vehicular mishaps but no casualties reported after the implementation of speed limit and deployment of MMDA along COA,” Lagman added.

“To symbolze Quezon City’s advocacy to make Commonwealth Avenue one of the country’s safest thoroughfares and to recognize the concerted efforts of the city and of the University of the Philippines,” a portion of the resolution read.

The resolution, approved on September 3, 2012, was requesting the Mayor to put up a marker in front of UP Ayala Techno Hub, the site where Simbulan died.

Simbulan, a journalism professor at the University of the Philippines-Diliman College of Mass Communication and a co-founder of VERA Files, died on May 13, 2010, when two reckless bus drivers collided with the taxi she was riding.

Her untimely death has spurred the Quezon City government to promote road safety a priority.

Professor Roland Simbulan, the widower, with the help of UP President Alfredo Pascual made the content of the marker.

The proposed marker will have the following words inscribed on it: “This Marker is in memory of the late U.P. Professor Ma. Lourdes Estella-Simbulan and to the lives which were cut short catalyzing the Quezon City Government and the University of the Philippines to ensure that not a single life has been lost in vain.”

The Quezon City government was expecting the marker to be installed in November, according to Lagman.