Have you ever been to Tagum City, the capital of Davao del Norte province? With more than 296,000 people as of 2020, it is the most populated city in the province, and the second-most populated in the entire Davao Region, just after Davao City.
Tagum used to be a predominantly agricultural area, exporting products like bananas, wood lumber, and wood chips. Today, it is among the fastest-growing urban cities in Mindanao, especially since it is strategically located between Metro Davao (an urban area) and the rural areas of Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley.
In terms of public transport, the most common modes are tricycles, although jeepneys, single motorcycles, and buses are also common. Traffic is managed by the Tagum City Traffic Management Unit (TMU), whose functions are similar to those of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in the National Capital Region.
What is the Tagum City TMU?
“We take oath in keeping the streets of Tagum City safe.” This is the main goal of the Tagum City Traffic Management Unit (TMU). As the name implies, it is basically in charge of managing traffic flow in the city.
The TMU’s role is to ensure the safety of motorists, commuters, and pedestrians in Tagum City. Aside from facilitating the safe and smooth transport of people, it also facilitates the efficient movement of various goods and services across the city.
Vision and Mission
The TMU’s functions go in line with the vision and mission of the Tagum City Government, as featured in its official website:
Vision. “City of Tagum, a highly urbanized city, moving towards industrialization and agriculture modernization, providing globally competitive trade and services in a disaster resilient environment, with empowered citizenry, enjoying a better quality of life in a livable society through good governance under the guidance of the Divine Providence.”
Mission. “Tagum is committed to pursue sustainable and inclusive growth and development through highly competitive industries and accessible services and opportunities under good governance for a better quality of life.”
Functions of the TMU
The TMU’s main functions include traffic management and traffic enforcement. Notably, it has also become a “lost and found” office for commuters who have misplaced their items. In addition, the TMU accommodates various transport-related complaints.
Traffic Management
The TMU sees to it that there are traffic signs, signals, and markings in strategic places around the city. They conduct regular checking and maintenance, to make sure that these items and equipment are always functioning properly.
Of course, part of traffic management is the monitoring and regulation of traffic flow. This includes identifying areas where traffic congestion occur most often, as well as providing traffic assistance in places where accidents or calamities have occurred. A traffic management plan is regularly made for these purposes.
As for personnel, the Tagum City TMU is headed by a Traffic Management Coordinator. He/She oversees Traffic Enforcers, who are responsible for monitoring traffic conditions, enforcing traffic laws, and providing traffic assistance.
Traffic Enforcement
Another main function of the TMU is the development and implementation of traffic rules and regulations. These include guidelines on driving, parking, carrying passengers, and other transport-related matters.
When enforcing traffic laws, the TMU works in coordination with other government agencies like the Land Transportation Office (LTO) and the Philippine National Police (PNP). In this manner, the agencies are able to address and resolve transport-related issues effectively and efficiently.
Lost and Found
Sometimes, commuters leave items such as wallets, bags, and cellphones in public utility vehicles (i.e. tricycles, jeepneys, buses). Drivers would bring these items to the TMU, which serves as a “lost and found” office where commuters can claim their items. There have been many cases where the TMU was able to help with returning lost/misplaced items to their owners.
Filing Complaints
Commuters and motorists can file transport-related complaints at the TMU. For example, if a passenger has been “overcharged” by a tricycle driver, he/she can file a complaint by following these steps:
- Get the name of the driver, LTO register plate, MTOP identification number, or name of the franchiser/operator.
- Go to the City Legal Office or directly to the Traffic Management Unit – City Franchising and Regulatory Board at the New City Hall and fill up a form for your complaint.
- Wait for the board to deliberate your case, and be sure to attend the conference in the future.
Traffic Advisories
Occasionally, the TMU announces traffic advisories, especially when there has been an accident/incident, or when there’s a special occasion coming up that could affect traffic flow. Here are some examples based on the TMU Facebook page:
Accidents/Incidents
Last June 2021, there was a landslide at KM 69, National Highway, Tuboran, Mawab in the nearby province of Davao de Oro. The TMU shared a traffic advisory regarding the clearing operation of the landslide situation.
Meanwhile, earlier this year, the TMU released a public advisory regarding the status of some roads and bridges. The office announced on February 5 that a couple of roads (Tagum – Santo Tomas via San Miguel, Tagum – B.E. Dujali via San Miguel) were not possible due to checking of the bridge for possible damages.
Special Occasions
Prior to July 1, 2024, the TMU announced that several roads would be temporarily closed for the 57th Araw ng Davao del Norte Civic Parade. It also released a re-routing scheme and alternative routes for motorists.
More recently, the TMU released another advisory, this time announcing the temporary closure of Botanical Road in San Agustin Area, to give way to the First Tagum City Downhill Race (Longboard), which was held on November 16-17, 2024.
Moreover, since the holiday season is coming up, the TMU announced the temporary closure of J.V. Ayala Avenue and City Hall Circumferential Road, starting November 20, 2024. The purpose was to give way to the Apokon for Food Avenida and Mindabao Floriculture Congress Displays, as well as the official lighting of the Giant Holiday Tree on November 22.
Contact Information: Tagum City TMU
If you have any questions or concerns for the TMU, you can get in touch with them through the following contact details. Their office is located in the PNP Compound in Purok Tipaz, Barangay Magugpo East.
Address: PNP Compound, Purok Tipaz, Barangay Magugpo East, Tagum City, Davao del Norte.
Telephone: (084) 216 3178 / 0965 657 0026 (Globe)
Email: Tmotagum@gmail.com
Website: https://tagumcity.gov.ph/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TagumCityTMU/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
As one of the fastest growing cities in Mindanao and in the whole country, Tagum City’s population is bound to increase, and along with it… a rise in the number of vehicles and traffic congestion. Fortunately, the city’s Traffic Management Unit (TMU) is here to ensure safety on the road for all motorists and pedestrians.
Meanwhile, in other parts of the region, there are similar road authorities as well. Check out this article to know more about the Traffic Management Unit (TMU) of Panabo City.