Situated just 20 kilometers south of Metro Manila is Imus, a first class city and the capital of Cavite province. As of 2020, the city had a population of almost 20,000 people.
Everyday, public utility vehicles (PUVs) such as tricycles, jeepneys, and buses traverse the roads of Imus City, alongside private vehicles. And to help manage the flow of traffic, there’s the City of Imus Traffic Management Unit (CITMU), whose functions are quite similar to those of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA).
What is CITMU?
As the name says, the City of Imus Traffic Management Unit (CITMU) is the department of the Imus City Government that manages traffic and transportation-related activities.
Vision and Mission
According to its official website, the vision and mission of the City of Imus Traffic Management Unit are as follows:
Vision
“In the years ahead, we will rebuild a traffic management unit that is transparent, beyond reproach, and with a passion for providing the highest quality of traffic to attain a smooth traffic flow and minimize traffic-related accidents.”
Mission
The mission of the Unit is to:
- “Gain the trust and respect of motorists and the riding public through strict enforcement of the various traffic laws, and in the process instill discipline and order in the streets of the City of Imus;
- Promote an efficient organization that is responsive, transparent, and always cognizant of the sentiments of the community; and
- Strive to empower our employees so that their objectives and directions in their work will be aligned with that of the city government.”
Traffic Advisories
The official Facebook page of the City Government of Imus shows that the CITMU regularly conducts traffic monitoring, and releases advisories regarding road closures, construction, and special events.
Traffic Monitoring
The City of Imus Traffic Management Unit regularly conducts traffic monitoring, featuring video footage of the main thoroughfares in the city. This way, motorists are able to see the traffic status on these roads, be it light, moderate, or heavy traffic.
Road Closures
Sometimes, there are road closures due to construction, rehabilitation, and other related activities. For example, as of this writing, there’s a Temporary Road Closure on the part of Open Canal (East Bound) going to Malagasang Road from September 15 to October 15, 2024.
The road closure is due to the pipe-laying works of Maynilad and the construction of the Open Canal – Malagasang Flyover of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). All motorists are advised to take alternate routes because of this road closure.
Special Events
During special events and occasions, heavy traffic is expected, and so the City of Imus Traffic Management Unit issues an advisory beforehand. For instance, before the “Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair” was held last September 27, 2024, a traffic advisory was announced, stating that there would be heavy traffic along Advincula Avenue Lancaster New City, Bucandala-Alapan Road, and Imus Boulevard. Motorists and commuters were advised to take alternative routes.
Task Force TOMAHAWK
Basec on the official website of the City of Imus, the Imus Police, Civil Security Unit, and City of Imus Traffic Management Unit have come together and formed “Task Force TOMAHAWK” last March 2024. The group was tasked to help ensure the safety of motorists as they ply on the roads of the city between 12 a.m. and 5 a.m.
By strengthening the enforcement of traffic laws, Task Force TOMAHAWK aims to reduce and prevent accidents that usually happen on the city’s roads from midnight until early morning. The group also watches out for violations such a No Helmet/Improper Helmet, Driving Without Proper License, Unregistered Motor Vehicles, and Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol.
Programs and Services
Aside from managing traffic and enforcing traffic laws, the City of Imus Traffic Management Unit provides the following External Services, according to the Citizen’s Charter of the city government:
Redemption of Driver’s License of Vehicle Plate
This service is offered to all traffic violators who have been issued an Ordinance Violation Receipt (OVR) due to violation of traffic law/s and/or city ordinance/s. It involves the verification of the OVR and timely clearing of the traffic violation and penalty.
Redemption of Impounded Vehicle
This service is offered to all traffic violators who have been issued an OVR due to having no driver’s license and/or does not carry the vehicle’s registration papers. It involves the verification of the OVR and timely release of the confiscated vehicle key/s. The client is then referred to the vehicle impound facility for redemption of the confiscated vehicle/s.
Adjudication of Complaints Against Traffic Enforcers
This service is offered to all traffic violators who believe that they were unfairly and/or unjustly charged with a traffic violation by the apprehending traffic officer. All forwarded complaints are given the utmost and careful attention by the CITMU Adjudication Board.
Motorcycle Escorts and/or Traffic Manpower Assistance
Traffic manpower is offered to anyone who needs assistance during motorcades, parades, funeral processions, weddings, and other special occasions. Likewise, motorcycle escorts are offered to Very Important Persons (VIPs) or guests of the city government.
Towing Services
This service is provided to anyone, including private citizens, whose vehicle is defective or cannot run on its own power.
Issuance of Traffic Clearance
This service is offered to business establishments and private citizens as a prerequisite in acquiring an Excavation Permit from the City Engineering Office. A traffic clearance is issued to avoid any untoward traffic incident and to preempt traffic congestion in the area of excavation/activity.
Transport-Related Ordinances
Notably, here is a list of some of the transport-related ordinances issued by the City Council of Imus:
City Ordinance 02-24. An Ordinance Amending Section 90 of Ordinance No. 2008-92, “An Ordinance Enacting the Municipal Traffic Management Code of Imus.” (Enacted June 9, 2014; Approved June 26, 2014.)
City Ordinance No. 03-88. An Ordinance Institutionalizing the Alternative Route System Along Private and Public Roads in the City of Imus to Decongest Traffic Along the Main Thoroughfares of the City. (Enacted May 8, 2017; Approved May 17, 2017.)
City Ordinance No. 03-125. An Ordinance Creating a Clean, Green, and Eco-friendly Transport Program in the City of Imus by Introducing the Use and Operation of Electric-driven Vehicles as Mode of Public Transportation for our Riding Public. (Enacted June 17, 2019; Approved December 12, 2019.)
City Ordinance No. 05-239. An Ordinance Enjoining All Business Establishments and Local Transportation in the City of Imus to Adopt QR PH Digital Payments in Line with the Paleng-QR Program. (Enacted February 14, 2024).
For more information about each City Ordinance, you can visit the City Government of Imus’ official website.
Contact Information: CITMU
Questions and concerns for the City of Imus Traffic Management Unit (CITMU) may be addressed to these contact details:
Address: Imus City Hall, Imus Municipal Jail, Maestro G. Tirona, Imus, 1403 Cavite
Telephone: (046) 515 1358
Website: https://cityofimus.gov.ph/departments_units/citmo
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CITMO/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
The City of Imus Traffic Management Unit (CITMU) certainly helps in ensuring the smooth flow of traffic in the city! Likewise, similar road authorities do the same for other parts of the province — and the country, for that matter. Another good example is the General Trias City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division.