IN anticipation of a surge in traffic volume during the Christmas season, Trade and Commerce chair Councilor George Goking on Friday wanted the mall hour operations in Cagayan de Oro City will be adjusted.

Goking even said adjusted business hours operations will accommodate other nearby cities and provinces including other regions in Mindanao.

“To help ease traffic congestion, malls including public markets in the city should extend their business hour operations at least a week before Christmas and New Year,” said Goking.

Just earlier today, Goking said SM downtown and Ayala Mall posted a 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. business hours operations.

“We are hoping that mall owners and operators in the city have agreed to their mall operations extension from 9 a.m. until 11 p.m. in preparation for the expected traffic due to the holiday rush,” he said.

Goking also said if agreed, the adjusted mall hours will be in effect until Jan. 6, 2023.

Goking said he will also bring the matter to the City Council and mayor Rolando Klarex Uy for proper execution.

"I will also ask the city's road and traffic administration (RTA) the adjusted 11 p.m. for further study," said Goking, adding that if the proposal would help to ease traffic congestion in the city, especially during rush hours.

"Shoppers will no longer be in rush, especially people who came from far areas (likely from other regions if any)," said Goking.

We can also avoid cars going out and driving together on the road to shop at malls, Goking said.

Malls usually follow a 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. operating hours, according to Goking.