Did you know that the Philippines is one of the world’s largest exporters of bananas? In fact, a city in Mindanao is known as the “Banana Capital of the Philippines.” We’re taking about Panabo, a component city of Davao del Norte province, and home to numerous banana plantations.
Panabo is the second most populated city in the province (after Tagum); it is also part of what is called the Davao Metropolitan Area. As of 2020, the city had a population of more than 209,000 people. The most common means of public transportation are jeepneys, buses, tricycles, and public utility vans. Traffic is managed by the Panabo City Traffic Management Unit (TMU), whose functions are quite similar to those of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in the National Capital Region (NCR).
What is the Panabo City TMU?
According to its official Facebook page, the Traffic Management Unit (TMU) is the government unit in charge of public safety, traffic enforcement, traffic control, and traffic education in Panabo City.
Vision and Mission
The TMU’s directives go in line with the Panabo City Government’s vision and mission, as stated on its official website:
Vision. “A progressive, ecological-balanced, and peaceful agri-industrial City characterized by a friendly, disciplined, empowered, and self-reliant citizenry, led by efficient and effective political leaders under transparent governance, with sufficient facilities and services, as well as social justice and equality to all Panaboans.”
Mission. “The City shall aim for a productive and self-reliant people, communities, and cooperatives propelled by agri-based industrialization, a framework of balance and sustainable ecology, and stable political governance towards becoming the leading agri-industrial center of the south, producing world class products.”
Traffic Advisories
The Panabo City TMU regularly posts traffic updates on its Facebook page, describing the status of traffic on the city’s main roads. It also issues traffic advisories whenever there are accidents/incidents, construction or rehabilitation, and special occasions on the road.
Accidents/Incidents
Earlier this year (February 2, 2024), for example, it was announced that the city road at Purok Gumamela, Barangay Buenavista was not passable to all types of vehicles due to landslide. The TMU provided traffic assistance while the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) took action on the incident.
Construction/Rehabilitation
Also in February, it was announced that the Little Panay Substitute Bridge was not yet passable due to a maintenance activity. The TMU advised motorists to take an alternative route via Kasilak – New Malitbog and via Crossing Maduao-Lasang-Purok Mansaniyas and corner Auto Mart going to Piatos instead.
More recently, on August 14, the TMU released a traffic advisory regarding the temporary closure of the Panabo City Flyover because the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) was doing some repairs. Motorists were advised to take alternative rputes.
Special Occasions
From time to time, the TMU announces temporary road closures as part of activities during special occasions. Last June 19, 2024, for example, the office announced the closure of three lanes of national highway (Tagum-Davao) due to the celebration of the 53rd Araw ng Barangay Salvacion.
Recently, the TMU also announced the temporary closure of several streets, as part of the 12th Binulig Festival activities, which included a grand parade and street dancing. Motorists were advised to avoid the areas to avoid traffic congestion and inconvenience.
Violations and Penalties
When it comes to enforcing traffic rules and regulations, the TMU adheres to City Ordinance No. 31-17 or the “2017 Revised Traffic Code of Panabo City.” Some of the most common rules include the mandatory use of helmets by motorcylce drivers, rules for slow-moving vehicles, and other violations.
Use of Helmet While Driving
The Traffic Code of Panabo states that motorcycle drivers and riders are required to wear protective gear such as helmets while driving. Failure to wear a helmet corresponds to a fine of PHP 500.
This rule goes in line with the Motorcycle Helmet Act of 2009, a national law that requires motorcycle drivers and riders to wear helmets while driving on the road.
Rules for Slow Moving Vehicles
According to Article 17, Section 7 of the Panabo City Traffic Code, “slow-moving vehicles shall use the outermost lane of highways and city roads, to give way to faster-moving vehicles.” Failure to follow this rule corresponds to a fine of PHP 800. Slow-moving vehicles include motorcycles, tricycles, bao-bao, and other small vehicles.
Other Violations
Meanwhile, here is a list of other common violations, which are included in the 2017 Revised Traffic Code of Panabo City:
- Improper Grooming and Hygiene for PUV Operators – PHP 300
- Non-display of Fare Matrix – PHP 500
- Disobedience to Traffic Signs – PHP 500
- Improper Loading and Unloading – PHP 500
- Drivers Approaching Crosswalk – PHP 500
- Unauthorized Creation of Crosswalk – PHP 500
- Unclean / Non-sanitized PUV – PHP 500
- Overcharging of Fares – PHP 800
- Impolite Treatment to Passengers – PHP 800
- Refusal to Render Service Because of Differences – PHP 800
- Overspeeding – PHP 800
- Disobedience to Traffic Control Signs (Traffic Lights or Signs of Traffic Enforcers) – PHP 800
- Counterflowing – PHP 800
- Allowing Minors to Drive – PHP 1,000
- Driving Without License – PHP 1,000
- Reckless Driving – PHP 1,500
- Drunk or Drugged Driving – PHP 2,000
If you see a motorist, driver, or PUV operator committing any of the above traffic violations, you can report the incident to the following hotlines: 0945 443 7645 (Globe) / 0939 792 4221 (Smart).
Contact Information: Panabo City TMU
The TMU office is located at the Panabo Multipurpose Gym in Panabo City. If you have any questions or concerns, you can get in touch with them through the following contact details:
Address: Panabo Multipurpose Gym, Panabo, Davao del Norte
Telephone: (084) 823 2993
Email: www.trafficmgtunit@gmail.com
Website: https://panabocity.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Panabo-City-Traffic-Management-Unit-100066982981268/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Thanks to its thriving banana plantations, Panabo City is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. Of course, as the city grows and develops, the population (and number of vehicles) is bound to increase, as well. Fortunately, the Traffic Management Unit (TMU) is here to manage traffic and ensure road safety in the city.
Meanwhile, in other parts of Mindanao, there are road authorities with similar functions as the Panabo City TMU. In General Santos, for example, there’s the City Transportation and Traffic Management Department (CTTMD). Check out this article to learn all about it!