BAGUIO CITY, Philippines (The Adobo Chronicles, Baguio Bureau) – Traffic congestion is a huge problem not only in Metro Manila, but in other major cities in the Philippines, including Baguio, the country’s summer capital.

Solving the nightmarish traffic is one of President Rod Duterte’s priorities in his first 100 days in office and has encouraged local officials to come up with alternative means of transportation to decongest the roadways while  reducing pollution. Baguio City officials have come up with a brilliant proposal that would do just that.

The plan is to phase out dilapidated jeepneys with horses which would better utilize the city’s huge equestrian population.

One of Baguio’s most popular tourist attractions is horseback-riding, largely concentrated in Wright Park, across from the Philippine president’s summer residence, Mansion House.

Officials said an alternative proposal to replace jeepneys with tricycles (pedicabs) would not be feasible considering Baguio’s hilly terrain. Horses, would be perfect, they said.

Part of the plan is to employ additional street cleaners to collect horse manure in designated routes  which, in turn, will be donated to fruit and vegetable growers in Baguio and neighboring La Trinidad Valley.

“It’s a win-win situation,” the officials said. “We will solve the traffic problem while boosting organic farm production.”