Have you ever been to the “City of Seven Lakes”? We are referring to San Pablo, a first class component city in Laguna. As of 2020, this city had a population of more than 285,000 people. With a total land area of 197.56 square kilometers, it also happens to be the biggest city/municipality in the entire province.
Aside from its famous seven lakes, San Pablo is home to several educational institutions, businesses, and retail establishments. Everyday, jeepneys and tricycles ply the streets of the city. Meanwhile, public buses and express vans carry passengers to and from nearby towns and cities, and even neighboring provinces such as Quezon and Batangas. And just as Metro Manila has the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to manage traffic, San Pablo has its own City Traffic Management Office (CTMO).
What is the San Pablo CTMO?
As the name implies, the City Traffic Management Office (CTMO) is the government office in charge of managing traffic and transport-related activities in San Pablo. Its regular operations include road clearing, installation of street signage, and of course, enforcement of traffic rules and regulations.
Interestingly, the office also serves as a “lost and found” center, contacting passengers who have left wallets, phones, and other valuables in tricycles and other public utility vehicles (PUVs).
Vision and Mission
The CTMO’s roles and functions go in line with the vision and mission of the San Pablo City Government, as outlined in its official website:
Vision. “San Pablo, the City of Seven Lakes – premier tourist destination, light industrial and education hub in CALABARZON, committed to good governance and sustainable development.”
Mission. “To uplift the quality of life of San Pableños through effective and efficient delivery of public service in partnership with the private sector.”
Road Advisories
Aside from managing traffic and implementing traffic laws, the CTMO issues advisories every time there’s an accident/incident, road construction or rehabilitation, and special occasions.
Accidents/Incidents
Last May 2023, for example, the CTMO explained that one of its traffic lights (at Schetelig Balagtas) was damaged due to heavy rain — an incident that caused heavy traffic. Fortunately, the office was quick to respond, assigning traffic officers to manage the flow of vehicles while the City Engineering Office fixed the traffic lights.
Construction or Rehabilitation
In October 2022, a portion of the Maharlika Highway (in Barangay San Antonio I) was closed due to the construction of a footbridge structure in the area. The CTMO advised motorists to take an alternative route (San Pablo Dolores Road going to Tiaong, Quezon and vice versa) for their own convenience.
More recently, in May 2024, a road advisory was announced regarding an asphalt overlay project along Gomez General Luna Road and P. Zulueta Street, Barangay IV-B. Motorists were told that light to heavy traffic could occur because of the project.
Special Occasions
The CTMO also issued road advisories whenever there’s a street parade, religious procession, and other activities that could affect traffic. Last May 2023, for instance, it announced the closure of a portion of J.P. Riizal Avenue, Bay-Calauan Highway, which served as the venue for the Bagong Calauan Pinya Festival Street Dancing Competition. Motorists were advised to take alternative routes.
Meanwhile, on May 31, 2024, the CTMO announced a road advisory regarding the annual Flores de Mayo, which was held along Barangay San Roque, Colago Avenue, Rizal Avenue, Barleta Street, M. Paulino Street, Balagtas Boulevard, and Schetelig Avenue. Motorists were advised to avoid these routes on that day.
Services Offered
In addition to managing traffic and other daily functions, the CTMO also renders the following external services, based on the Citizen’s Charter of the San Pablo City Government:
New Application of Motorized Tricycle Operator’s Permit (MTOP)
All operators and owners of tricycles engaged in carrying passengers, products, or livestock in San Pablo need to apply for a tricycle franchise. This involved getting a Motorized Tricycle Operator’s Permit (MTOP) from the CTMO, before applying for a Mayor’s Permit and operating tricycles in the city. Each tricycle is assigned a specific color, which indicates the day it is banned to operate on the streets of San Pablo.
To apply for the MTOP, one must be: (a) at least 21 years old; (b) a resident and registered voted of San Pablo City for at least one year; (c) the owner of the motorcycle and sidecar; and (d) a member of an accredited Tricycle Driver’s Operators Association (TODA).
Renewal of MTOP
When the MTOP expires, owners and operators of tricycles need to renew their permits before operating once again. The qualifications to renew the MTOP are quite similar to those with new applications.
Amendment for MTOP
In case the owner of operator of a tricycle needs to amend details of their MTOP, they need to avail of this services from the CTMO.
Anti-Colorum Operations
San Pablo City Ordinance No. 2011-01 prohibits the use of tricycles without franchises. The CTMO regularly conducts monitoring to ensure that there are no colorum tricycles on the city’s streets.
Furthermore, the office also looks out for other violations, including: open pipe mufflers, driving without license, driving unregistered vehicles, driving without helmets (for motorcycles), and driving tricycles with inappropriate attire (i.e. shorts, slippers).
Contact Information: San Pablo CTMO
For those who have questions, complaints, or concerns for the San Pablo CTMO, you can get in touch with them through the following contact details:
Address: Window 10, One Stop Procesing Center, City Hall Compound, San Pablo City, Laguna
Telephone: (049) 503 2200
Email: spctmo@gmail.com
Website: https://www.sanpablocity.gov.ph/departments
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sanpablo.ctmo/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
San Pablo City is one of the biggest and most populated cities in the province of Laguna. With so many vehicles, commuters, and pedestrians using the city’s streets everyday, ensuring road safety and managing the flow of traffic is a must. Fortunately the City Traffic and Management Office (CTMO) is always quick to respond!
Meanwhile, in other parts of the province, there are similar road authorities, too. In Calamba City, for example, there’s the Public Order and Safety Office Traffic Management Division. Check out this article to know more about it!