Having a population of almost 300,000 (as of 2020), Mabalacat is a city in Pampanga province. It is part of what is known as Metro Clark, an urban area that is considered as the industrial and residential hub of Central Luzon.
Mabalacat City also happens to be a major transportation hub, with road networks such as the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, and MacArthur Highway passing through it. The Dau Bus Terminal is also located here; it is used by passenger buses to and from Metro Manila and other provinces.
To help manage traffic and other transport-related activities in the city, the Mabalacat City Traffic Enforcement Group (MCTEG) was established. Its roles and functions are quite similar to those of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in Metro Manila.
What is the MCTEG?
The Mabalacat City Traffic Enforcement Group (MCTEG) is a government unit that is mandated to implement programs and projects related to transportation. It is also tasked to provide instruction and enforcement with regards to public order, road safety, traffic violations, and accident investigations. In this manner, the city’s roads are made safe for motorists as well as pedestrians.
According to its official website, the MCTEG’s objectives are:
- To efficiently manage traffic and other road activities in the city;
- To conduct regular road safety audits in coordination with other Mabalacat City Government offices; and
- To formulate, enforce, and implement a traffic management plan for the City of Mabalacat.
Duties and Responsibilities
Meanwhile, the duties and responsibilities of the MCTEG include the following:
- Maintaining and regulating the flow of traffic within Mabacalacat City, especially along major streets and intersections;
- Enforcing and implementing traffic-related City Ordinances;
- Apprehending traffic violators;
- Monitoring CCTV cameras that are placed on busy roads and intersections; and
- Performing other tasks that may be assigned from time to time.
Services Offered
Aside from managing traffic and enforcing transpor-related City Ordinances, the MCTEG also provides other services, such as:
- Checking and verifying traffic citation ticket (TCT) numbers, date of apprehension, and apprehending officer;
- Releasing the driver’s license or confiscated vehicle plate after payment;
- Processing permits and assisting motorcades, school events, government activities, and private events.
Traffic Advisories
The MCTEG issues traffic advisories whenever there are road closures due to accidents, construction, or special occasions. Here are some examples based on the office’s Facebook page:
Road Accidents
On August 30, 2024, early morning, a truck broke down near Mabalacat Public Market going southbound. This caused slow-moving traffic in the area. Motorists were informed about the situation and advised to drive safely at all times.
Construction and Rehabilitation
Construction and rehabilitation usually involve road closures, prompting the MCTEG to issue traffic advisories beforehand. From March 2-5, 2024, for example, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Pampanga 3rd District Engineer’s Office conducted asphalt overlay works in Dau.
Asphalt milling and asphalt overlay were done in Dau Intersection -Jollibee and Dau Intersection – Jose Feliciano College, respectively. These activities were done at night, between 9:00 pm and 5:00 am. Motorists were advised to plan their travels accordingly, and to consider alternative routes during the dates and times involved.
Last May and June, 2024, similar activities were done, which affected traffic flow. On May 17, asphalt overlay was conducted in part of MacArthur Highway in Barangay Dau. Likewise, asphalt milling was done from May 30 to June 5 in parts of Barangays Dau and Duquit. Meanwhile, from June 4 to 9, asphalt overlay was done on roads in Barangays Dau, Mabiga, and Duquit.
More recently, another major road project was done: construction of the Dau Pedestrian Overpass. This involves closure of Barangay Dau (Didi’s Pizza – Wilcon Depot Area) section of MacArthur Highway from 9:00 pm, October 1, to 5:00 am October 2, 2024.
Since heavy traffic was expected, motorists were advised to plan their trips beforehand. Those who were heading to Mabalacat City, Clark, and Angeles City were urged to take alternative routes such as the North Luzon Expressway or the Clark East Perimeter Road.
Interestingly, the Dau Pedestrian Overpass would be the city’s first pedestrian overpass, according to Pampanga News Now. Implemented by the DPWH, the project seeks to enhance pedestrian safety and accessibility, while making it easier for residents and visitors to navigate the bustling areas of Dau, Mabacalat City.
Special Events
Whenever there are special occasions and events on the city’s roads, the MCTEG releases traffic advisories in advance. For example, before the 2nd Annual Balacat Festival held last February 26 to March 1, 2024, the MCTEG announced potential traffic congestion.
In particular, the festival included parades, street dancing, and other activities. To help ensure smooth flow of traffic, motorists were advised to plan their travel routes in advance, consider alternative routes, and avoid driving during peak festival hours.
Another event that took place earlier this year was the “Takbo Para sa Balacat Fun Run for a Cause,” which was held last February 29, 2024. Prior to this event, the MCTEG made an announcement, mentioning the starting point and finishing areas of the race. They also assured the participants that traffic enforcers would be present to ensure the smooth flow of traffic during the event.
Holy Week 2024 was another major event in Mabalacat City. On March 29, processions were held by several churches, namely: Our Lady of Grace Parish, San Lorenzo Ruiz Parish, San Rafael Arkanghel Parish, Our Lady of Victories Parish, and Our Lady of Sorrows Parish. During these religious activities, the MCTEG was present to ensure the safety of parishioners and motorists as well.
Video: Dancing Traffic Enforcer of MCTEG
Managing a busy intersection under the hot son can be a tiring job. Fortunately, some traffic enforcers make an extra effort to enjoy their job — directing traffic while entertaining the public at the same time! One perfect example is Mr. Eric Sanchez of the MCTEG, who can be seen in this video “dancing” while directing traffic:
Contact Information: MCTEG
If you have any questions for the Mabalacat City Traffic Enforcement Group (MCTEG), you can get in touch with them through the following contact details:
Address: Mabalacat, Pampanga
Telephone: 0936-073-8704
Email: mcteg@mabalacatcity.gov.ph
Website: https://mabalacatcity.gov.ph/mabalacat-city-traffic-enforcement-group-mcteg/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/MCG-MCTEG-Mabalacat-100083621043987/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
As one of the major transportation hubs in Central Luzon, it is not surprising that traffic flow is a daily concern in Mabalacat City. Fortunately, thanks to the Mabalacat City Traffic Enforcement Group (MCTEG), the safety of motorists, commuters, and pedestrians in the city are ensured.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the country, similar road authorities are actively managing traffic, as well. In Lipa City, Batangas, for instance, there’s the Lipa City Traffic Management Division (TMD).