Santo Tomas is a first class component city in Batangas province, located about 44 kilometers from Batangas City and 61 kilometers south of Metro Manila. As of 2020, it had a population of 218,500 people, and the city continues to grow, with numerous business and retail establishments as well as residential communities.
The most common means of public transportation in Santo Tomas include jeepneys, UV express service, and buses, which connect the city to nearby municipalities, cities, and provinces. Within the residential areas and barangays, tricycles are commonly used. To manage traffic, the City Traffic and Management Division (CTMD) was established. Its functions are quite similar to those of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in the capital.
What is the Santo Tomas CTMD?
The City Traffic and Management Division (CTMD) is a unit of the Santo Tomas City Government. It is tasked to manage traffic, enforce traffic rules and regulations, and ensure road safety for all motorists, commuters, and pedestrians in the city.
Vision and Mission
The CTMD’s role goes in line with the vision of the Santo Tomas City Government, which are stated in the city’s official website:
Vision. “The City of Santo Tomas as the major trading hub and agro-industrial haven in the CALABARZON region of the Philippines, with God-fearing and empowered Tomasinos with a competitive, business-friendly, and dynamic economy, supported by reliable and accessible infrastructure in a sustainable community governed by responsive and technocratic leaders.”
Mission. “The City of Santo Tomas is committed to ensure: (1) high quality health service; (2) improved educational service; (3) additional employment and investment opportunities for all sectors of the city; (4) lively tourism; (5) stable agriculture and cooperatives; (6) investments; (7) recognition of the youth; (8) care for passengers and the transportation sector; (9) disaster resilience; (10) protection of the environment; (11) ease of bringing public service; and (12) bringing government services closer to the people of Santo Tomas.”
Services Offered
In addition to managing traffic and implementing traffic rules, the CTMD provides the following external services, which are described in the Citizen’s Charter of the Santo Tomas City Government:
Redemption of Traffic Citation Ticket (TCT)
This is a service offered to apprehended drivers and/or motorists who have committed traffic violations. It involves the release of the TCT upon payment of the corresponding fines and penalties.
Provision of Traffic Management Data
This service is offered to the general public. They may request for traffic management data such as traffic count, traffic conditions, and other relevant information.
Provision of Motorcycle Escorts and/or Traffic Manpower Assistance
Also offered to the general public, this service involves the provision of motorcycle escorts and/or traffic assistance during motorcades, parades, funeral processions, and other special events.
Traffic Advisories
The CTMD regularly issues traffic advisories through the official Facebook page of Santo Tomas Local Government Unit (LGU). These advisories are usually related to accidents/incidents, road construction or rehabilitation, and special occasions.
Accidents/Incidents
Last October 23, 2024, an electric post fell along Santa Maria – San Pedro Road (near Burgers Ahuy). As a result, the road was blocked and vehicles could not pass through. The CTMD urged motorists to take alternative routes to avoid traffic and inconvenience.
Construction/Rehabilitation
Construction and/or rehabilitation usually requires road closure and traffic advisories. Last June 2022, for example, there was road construction along Maharlika Highway, specifically at Barangay San Rafael (near San Rafael – Santa Anastacia National High School). The project went on for quite some time, and so motorists were cautioned regarding light to moderate traffic in the area.
More recently, last October 6, 2024, another road advisory was issued due to a road construction project along the Tanauan City – Santo Tomas Diversion Road via Sampalocan Road. To ensure the safety of motorists as well as construction workers, all heavy equipment and heavy container trucks were temporarily prohibited from using the said route.
Special Occasions
Some occasions involve parades, street dancing, and other activities that may cause traffic. One example was the opening of SM City Santo Tomas last October 27, 2023. Prior to this event, the CTMD warned motorists and commuters about the possibility of light to moderate traffic in the area (Maharlike Highway, particularly at Barangay San Miguel).
More recently, on September 14, 2024, the entire Santo Tomas community celebrated its fifth anniversary since becoming a city. To give way for festivities, JP Laurel was temporarily closed between 12:00 pm and 8:00 pm. The CTMD, along with the Santo Tomas PNP and barangay officials, worked together to manage traffic and to ensure the safety of everyone during the said occasion.
In the same month, the Feast Day of Saint Padre Pio was commemorated on September 23. To manage traffic flow, the following guidelines were issued: (a) One-way only from Gov. Antonio Carpio Street, Barangay San Pedro, going to the National Shrine of Saint Padre Pio; (b) Use of second gate for vehicle entry; and (c) Use of alternate routes by motorists to avoid inconvenience.
Road Safety Tips
Notably, the official Facebook page of Santo Tomas LGU also features the “Ligtas Kalye” (Road Safety) Series, sharing tips on road safety for motorists and drivers.
Here are some of the road safety reminders shared on the page:
- Be alert and focused on driving.
- Watch out for pedestrians.
- Ensure that all passengers are buckled up.
- At night, drive slowly because of limited visibility.
- Make sure that your vehicle undergoes maintenance regularly.
- Drive safe and always use the “think, look, signal, look again” routine.
- Always check the condition of your vehicle’s headlights, taillights, and signal lights.
- Clean your vehicle’s headlights regularly and replace them if they are dimming or unclear.
- Look to your left and at the rear view mirror to make sure traffic is clear. Look again as a final check before making your move.
Contact Information: Santo Tomas CTMD
If you have any questions or concerns for the Santo Tomas CTMD, you can send these through the following contact details:
Address: Santo Tomas City Hall, Governor Malvar St., Poblacion I, Santo Tomas, Batangas
Telephone: (043) 778 1007 / 0951 077 0188
Email: cio@cityofstotomas.gov.ph
Website: https://cityofstotomas.gov.ph/city-departments/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/STOTOMASLGU
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
Santo Tomas is one of the fastest growing cities in the country today, with more and more establishments being built. As the city grows and more people (and vehicles) come in, traffic concerns are bound to occur, as well. Fortunately, the CTMD is here to make sure that traffic flow runs smooth and road safety is ensured.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the province, similar road authorities are also present to manage traffic. Check out this article to learn more about the Batangas City Transportation Development Regulatory Office (TDRO) in the provincial capital.