Situated about 80 kilometers south of Metro Manila is Lipa, a first class city in Batangas. With almost 373,000 people as of 2020, it is the most populated city in the province.
Having an extensive road network, Lipa City is a major transportation hub for Batangas and nearby provinces. Everyday, tricycles, jeepneys, vans, and buses shuttle passengers in and out of the city. To ensure the smooth flow of traffic, the Lipa City Traffic Management Division (TMD) was created; it’s role being similar to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in Manila.
What is the Traffic Management Division (TMD)?
In order to improve traffic flow, ease traffic congestion, and effectively enforce traffic rules and regulations, the Lipa City Government established the Traffic Management Division (TMD).
The TMD is part of the City Public Order and Safety (CPOS) office, which works together with local enforcement agencies to ensure public safety as well as to keep the city’s roads safe for motorists and commuters.
Traffic Advisories
Through the official Facebook page of the City Public Order and Safety (CPOS) office, the Traffic Management Division (TMD) regularly issues traffic advisories on various matters, including road accidents, construction, and special events.
Road Accidents
Last March 2023, for example, a traffic advisory was announced when telecommunications poles had fallen at Purok 2, Barangay Sampaguita. Personnel from PLDT, Globe, and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) came to work on the site.
Furthermore, last February 2024, there was another incident involving a 10-wheeler trailer truck at General Avenue, Barangay Sabang. DPWH, Globe Telecom, PLDT, and Batelec 2 came to address the situation. Motorists were instructed to take alternate routes until the said vehicle was cleared off the road.
More recently, last September 5, 2024, there was an accident at Barangay Maraouy. The southbound lane was not passable, and so lane sharing was implemented on the northbound lane. Motorists were advised to use alternative routes until the road was cleared.
Construction and Rehabilitation
Traffic advisories are also issued whenever there’s construction or rehabilitation works on the road. Just like the time last April 2023 when the Access Road at Tanco Drive to Manila-Batangas Bypass Road was temporarily closed due to a drainage and concreting project by the DPWH.
The same goes for a road concreting project last August 2023 at Barangay Lodlod. A one way rule was enforced at Tambo-Lodlod Road (Dr. Gregorio Zara Avenue). Nevertheless, an alternative route was given: Vehicles coming from Lodlod going to J.P. Laurel Highway were advised to use Villa Lourdes Subdivision Access Road or M.K. Lina Avenue.
Just last April 2024, there was a DPWH road rehabilitation project along Barangay Sabang – Barangay Tipacan Road. Once again, a traffic advisory was issued, including a temporary rerouting guide. Motorists were also urged to take alternative roads.
Special Events
Special events often involve parades and other street activities, thus requiring a traffic advisory announcement beforehand. Last June 19, 2024, for instance, the TMD told motorists to expect heavy traffic due to the 419th Founding and 77th Cityhood Anniversary celebration of Lipa, which included a socio-civic parade.
Similarly, a traffic advisory was announced prior to the De La Salle Lipa Graduation Rites last July 30, 2024. People were advised to use alternative routes or avoid the area of possible.
Recently, the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair was held last August 24, 2024. It was held simultaneously with another event that was attended by 30,000 delegates from different parts of Batangas. So once again, heavy traffic was expected and alternative routes given.
Transport-related Rules
Like other cities and municipalities in Batangas, Lipa City follows a traffic and transportation code. Some of its rules are as follows:
Light Vehicles
General Ordinance No. II, Series of 2020 imposes traffic regulations on motorcycles (below 400cc), bicycles, tricycles, pedicabs, and e-bikes along J.P. Laurel Highway. These vehicles are not allowed to use the middle of the highway, and are advised to remain on the right side of the road.
Truck Ban
A truck ban is enforced in Lipa City, with the following rules:
- Six-wheeler cargo trucks are prohibited from entering the Poblacion area, starting from Pilahan Junction, Batelec 2, MacDonald’s Junction, and San Sebastian Outpost from 6:00 am to 9:00 am and from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm daily.
- Other freight, cargo trucks, and trailer trucks with 10 or more wheels are not authorized to enter the Poblacion area starting from Pilahan Junction, McDonald’s Junction, and Batelec 2 from 6:00 am to 9:00 pm daily.
- Freight and cargo trucks with more than six wheels are prohibited to enter the Public Market from 6:00 am to 8:00 pm daily.
- Passenger and shuttle buses are not allowed to enter the Poblacion area from 5:00 am to 9:00 pm daily, except for those buses in field trips by tourists and schools.
Wheel Clamping Ordinance
General Ordinance No. II, Series of 2023 is the “Wheel Clamping Ordinance,” which applies to illegally parked vehicles. A wheel clamp is a device placed on the vehicle’s wheels to prevent it from running, and to inform motorists about their violation.
Illegally parked vehicles are those that are parked in intersections, crosswalks, in front of private driveways, no parking zones, roadsides, near bridges, and national roads.
The penalties for illegal parking are:
- Motorcycle (Private) – PHP 500
- Motorcycle (Delivery/Angkas) – PHP 300
- Tricycle and E-Bike – PHP 500
- Jeep, Multicab, and E-Jeep – PHP 500
- Private Cars, SUV, Pick-Up – PHP 1,000
- Bus, Delivery Van, 6-Wheelers and Up – PHP 5,000
NOTE: Exemptions to this rule are religious activities, cultural and traditional activities, special and public holidays, local or national events, and emergency situations.
Bicycle Lanes
Interestingly, Lipa City is part of a region-wide project to create bicycle lanes. Based on a Facebook post by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), a groundbreaking ceremony for expanding the Active Transport Infrastructure in Region IV-A (CALABARZON) was held in Lipa City last September 11, 2023.
The project involves the creation of a 76.7-kilometer Class 2 and 3 bike lanes in select roads of Lipa City and Batangas City, and other parts of Batangas province, as well as Antipolo, Cainta, and San Mateo in Rizal province.
The project is also part of a bigger vision, which entails the establishment of 400 kilometers of bike lanes in different parts of the country.
Contact Information: City Public Order and Safety Office
Questions for the Lipa City Traffic Management Division (TMD) may be addressed to the City Public Order and Safety (CPOS) Office, through these contact details:
Address: Lipa City Hall, President Jose P. Laurel Highway, Ayala Highway, Lipa, 4217 Batangas
Telephone: (043) 784 2512
Email: cposlipa@gmail.com
Website: https://lipa.gov.ph/traffic-management/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/cposlipa/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Authorities such as the Traffic Management Division (TMD) are certainly a big help, especially in fast developing cities like Lipa. In other parts of the country, there are similar road authorities, as well. In General Trias, Cavite, for example, there’s the General Trias City Traffic Management and Road Safety Division.