Mandaue is one of three highly urbanized cities on the island of Cebu, with the other two being Cebu City and Lapu-Lapu City. As of 2020, Mandaue City had a population of more than 364,000 people. Interestingly, although Mandaue City is geographically located in Cebu province, it is administratively independent from the province.
Mandaue City features cultural and historical landmarks, museums, natural parks, shopping malls, and other destinations. The most common means of public transportation are jeepneys, mini-buses, multi-cabs, vans, and tricycles. Traffic is managed by the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM), which functions quite similar to the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) in Manila.
What is TEAM?
The Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) is the government unit that manages traffic, enforces traffic laws, and provides other transport-related services in Mandaue City.
Vision, Mission, and Values
The TEAM adheres to the vision, mission, and values of the Mandaue City Government, as stated on its official website:
Vision. “Mandaue: Resilient City driven by Manufacturing-based, Retail, and Services MSMEs.”
Mission. “To create an environment for sustainable growth and livable society through responsive governance and multi-sectoral involvement.”
Values. “Excellence, Transparency, Resourcefulness, Accountability, Integrity, and Teamwork.”
Functions of TEAM
Based on the TEAM’s official Facebook page, among its major functions are traffic assistance, traffic law enforcement, clearing operations, accident response, and traffic advisories.
Traffic Assistance
Last July 22, 2024, the TEAM’s Traffic Operations Division provided traffic assistance at the “Bayanihan Para sa Matatag na Paraalan” caravan of Mandaue City Central School and Mandaue City Comprehensive National High School. In doing so, they were able to ensure the safety of all motorists and participants during the event.
Likewise, last August 21, the Traffic Operations Division assisted during the PWD motorcade at the Mandaue City Sports Complex, managing traffic flow and ensuring the safety of all participants.
More recently, the TEAM provided traffic assistance during the Triple Treat Fun Run 2024 (Ouanu Avenue) and ALS Day 2024 Celebration Parade, which were held on September 15 and October 18, respectively. Once again, the Traffic Operations Division made sure that the roads were safe for everyone during the activities.
Traffic Law Enforcement
The TEAM is tasked to enforce traffic rules and regulations for all motorists/users of public and private vehicles in the city. Last May 26, 2023, for instance, the Traffic Operations Division apprehended jeepney drivers who were practicing “trip cutting.”
In August 2023, the Traffic Operations Division, together with the PNP-Highway Patrol Group of the Mandaue City Police Office – Traffic Management Unit, apprehended vehicles with defective taillights, defective headlights, and other similar violations. Traffic citation tickets were issued to apprehended drivers/motorists.
Recently, on September 5, 2024, the TEAM’s Traffic Operations Division monitored modern jeepneys along M.L. Quezon Avenue. The operation focused on illegal parking, with violators being dealt with in accordance with the city’s parking rules and regulations.
Meanwhile, last December 4, the TEAM conducted “operation counterflow” along M.C. Briones Street, in coordination with CREWS, HPG, MCPO-TEU, and Recon Zugbu. The operation focused on reminding motorists to follow traffic signs and stay in the proper lanes, in order to ensure road safety and prevent accidents.
Clearing Operations
The TEAM conducts clearing operations on a regular basis. Last September 17, 2024, for instance, it carried out a “road and sidewalk clearing operation along P. Burgos Street and G. Ouano Street. The enforcement unit apprehended illegally parked motorcycles and vehicles, while several individuals were asked to clear the sidewalk of obstructions.
On November 21, the TEAM conducted another clearing operation, this time at Barangay Subangdaku. Basically, the team focused on trimming overgrown plants at the area’s center island. The activity was held not only to enhance road visibility for motorists, but also to reduce traffic hazards and ensure the safety of everyone.
On the same day, the TEAM conducted a road and sidewalk clearing operation in several places, namely: A.S. Fortuna Extension in Barangay Guizo; G. Ouano Extension in Barangay Looc; P. Suico Street in Barangay Tabok; and also in Barangay Jagobiao and Barangay Basak. During the operations, the team apprehended illegally parked motorcycles and vehicles. They also identified sidewalk obstructions, such as vendors’ items, advising owners to prevent obstruction by keeping the sidewalks clear at all times.
Recently, on December 4, the TEAM held a road and sidewalk clearing operation along G. Ouano Street in Barangay Opao, focusing mainly on illegally parked motorcycles and vehicles.
Accident Response
Last October 7, 2024, the TEAM’s Traffic Operations Division responded to an accident on D.M. Cortes Street. The accident involved a private vehicle and an oil tanker. To avoid traffic congestion, enforcers managed the flow of vehicles in the area.
In the same month, the Traffic Operations Division responded to the breakdown of a wing van and a truck van on October 7 and October 22, respectively. Both vehicles had broken down on D.M. Cortes Street; in both cases, the team managed the flow of traffic, while the vans were towed to prevent traffic congestion in the area.
More recently, on December 4, the TEAM responded to a vehicular accident on M.C. Briones Street in Barangay Maguikay. The accidents involved a dump truck and a motorcycle.
Traffic Advisories
From time to time, the TEAM announces traffic advisories, especially when there’s a road construction/rehabilitation project, or natural calamities such as flooding.
Last November 16, 2024, for example, the TEAM announced that the Department of Public Works and Highways would conduct the installation of bridge framing at Maguikay Skywalk. To make sure that the concrete pouring activity for the project would be carried out safely, it was announced that the entire road under the skywalk would be temporarily closed on November 21, between 12:00 am and 4:00 am. The TEAM advised motorists to take alternative routes during the said period, to avoid traffic congestion in the area.
Recently, on December 1, the TEAM issued another traffic advisory, this time about A.C. Cortes Avenue, in front of UCLM. It was announced that as of 6:45 pm, the road was already passable. Previously, it had been flooded due to heavy and constant rains.
Contact Information: Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue
For questions and inquiries, you can get in touch with TEAM through the following contact details:
Address: A. Soriano St. Centro, Mandaue City, Cebu
Telephone: 09434216258
Website: https://www.mandauecity.gov.ph/about/offices/traffic-enforcement-agency-of-mandaue
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TEAMandaue/
Google Map:
Final Thoughts
True to its word, the Traffic Enforcement Agency of Mandaue (TEAM) is committed to ensuring the road safety of all motorists, commuters, and pedestrians in the city — by enforcing laws, managing traffic flow, and providing different kinds of services.
In other parts of the province, there are road authorities with similar functions, as well. Check out this article to learn about the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO).