Calamba is a first class city in the province of Laguna. Famous for its numerous hot spring resorts, it is also called the “Spring Resort Capital of the Philippines.” Calamba also happens to be the hometown of the country’s national hero, Jose Rizal.
With more than 540,000 residents as of 2020, Calamba is the most populated local government unit in the province. Public transport modes include tricycles, jeepneys, and buses. Just as the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) manages traffic and other related activities in Manila, the Traffic Management Division of the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) does the same in Calamba.
What is the Traffic Management Division?
The Traffic Management Division is the authority that carries out traffic and transportation management in Calamba City. It is part of the city government’s Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) and implements the policies stated in City Ordinance No. 511, S. 2011 or the “Calamba City Traffic Code.”
Notably, the Traffic Management Division also performs traffic engineering, traffic direction and control, traffic education, and enforcement of national traffic laws as well as local ordinances.
Objectives
The Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), through its Traffic Management Division, aims to achieve the following:
- Provide comprehensive guidelines in the use of all vehicles, roads, streets, parks, and other public spaces as specified in the City Ordinance, subject to its maximum enforcement;
- Enhance the technical and practical capabilities of the traffic staff and enforcers by conducting quality safety education, training, and linkages with NGOs and other public and private organizations; and
- Enforce or help in the enforcement of all existing City Ordinances in coordination with concerned agencies.
Programs and Services
The Traffic Management Division of Calamba City’s Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) regularly provides traffic updates, advisories, and external services.
Traffic Updates
The Traffic Management Division releases traffic updates through its social media pages. These include daily, and even hourly updates, especially during rush hours.
For example, featured below is the traffic update as of 8:00 am on Tuesday, September 10, 2024. The post includes different locations around Calamba City, along with the status in each location, whether it has “light, moderate, or heavy” traffic.
Traffic Advisories
Occasionally, the Traffic Management Division releases advisories, sharing important announcements about events and/or activities that could affect the flow of traffic in Calamba City.
For instance, before a major concert was held last Friday (September 7, 2024), the Division posted a “Road Closure Advisory.” They shared a map indicating the location of the road closure, as well as alternate routes that motorists could use.
External Services
Aside from traffic and transportation management, the Traffic Management Division provides other services. One of these is “Assistance During Parades and Motorcades,” which may be availed by any resident or citizen of Calamba City.
Another service provided by the Traffic Management Division is “Orientation on Traffic Laws and Transportation,” which is provided to students and teachers of public schools around the city.
Transport-Related Ordinances
The Traffic Management Division implements national traffic laws, as well as local ordinances based on the Calamba City Traffic Code. These include policies on number coding, parking, helmets for motorcycle drivers, truck ban, tricycle fares, jaywalking, and more.
Number Coding for Tricycles
Tricycles in Calamba follow a number coding system, as per City Ordinance Nos. 425 and 511. Based on the last number of their license plates, tricycles with these numbers are not allowed in Poblacion (Barangays 1-7), Provincial Road, and National Highway:
- Mondays – Numbers 1 and 2
- Tuesdays – Numbers 3 and 4
- Wednesdays – Numbers 5 and 6
- Thursdays – Numbers 7 and 8
- Fridays – Numbers 9 and 0
Meanwhile, there is “No Coding” during Saturdays and Sundays; all vehicles are allowed to operate on weekends.
Illegal Parking
The Traffic Management Division continuously implements City Ordinance 511, which prohibits illegal parking. The law states that roads and sidewalks are for motorists and pedestrians only. Parking, selling, and other activities are not allowed in these areas.
Helmets for Motorcycle Drivers
According to City Ordinance 511, Section 80, “A driver and his rider riding a motorcycle in motion shall wear safety helmets on their heads securely fastened under their chins.”
This policy goes in line with Republic Act No. 10054 or “An Act Mandating All Motorcycle Rides to Wear Standard Protective Motorcycle Helmets While Driving.” Under this law, the helmets to be worn by motorcycle drivers and riders should comply with the specifications set by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Tricycle Minimum Fare
The minimum fare for riding a tricycle is set by City Ordinance 743, Series of 2022. The ordinance states that the tricycle fare for the first two (2) kilometers is PHP 15.00 per passenger, and PHP 2.00 will be charged for every additional kilometer. Moreover, each tricycle is allowed to accommodate up to four (4) passengers only.
The ordinance also states that senior citizens, students, and persons with disabilities (PWDs) shall be given 20 percent discount.
With regard to violations, the following penalties apply:
- Too many passengers – PHP 500.00 fine
- Fare matrix not displayed – PHP 500.00 fine
- Overcharging – PHP 500.00 fine + warning (first offense); PHP 750.000 fine + one-week suspension (second offense); PHP 1,000.00 fine + cancellation of franchise (third offense)
Truck Ban
During certain hours, there is a truck ban along Barangay Mayapa Road (from Mayapa Bridge to Barangay Canlubang Gate) from Monday to Sunday, including holidays. Closed vans, dump trucks, and wheeler trucks are not allowed to operate from 5:00 am to 9:00 am, and also from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm.
Jaywalking
City Ordinance 511, Section 121 states that jaywalking is punishable by law. People are urged to use pedestrian lanes and foot bridges when crossing the streets.
Contact Information: Public Order and Safety Office
For those who have questions and concerns regarding the Traffic Management Division, you can address these to the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO), which is located at Calamba City Hall:
Address: 2nd Floor, CDRRM Building, New City Hall Complex, Chipeco Ave., Calamba, 4027 Laguna
Telephone: 0917 148 9813 / 049 545 6789
Email: poso@calambacity.gov.ph
Website: https://calambacity.gov.ph/Users/DepartmentHome/Public_order_and_safety_office
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CalambaPOSOTMD/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Calamba is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. And of course, where there is a huge population, there are plenty of vehicles, too. Fortunately the Traffic Management Division of the Public Order and Safety Office (POSO) is always ready to serve!
In the meantime, similar road authorities are busy managing traffic and transportation in other areas, too. Among these is the Roads and Traffic Administration in Cagayan de Oro City.