Optimizing the mobility of Tomasino commuters and motorists remain a principal focus of the Sto. Tomas, Batangas city government.
According to Mayor Arth Jhun Aguilar Marasigan, it was essential to ease traffic in the city’s 30 barangays, as well as the main roads and highways that connected Sto. Tomas to other provinces and cities in the country.
He added that congested roads puts a strain on the environment, the economy, and the overall quality of life.
The most common means of public transportation in the City of Sto. Tomas, Batangas are jeepneys, UV express service, and buses which connect the city to nearby municipalities, cities, and provinces. Within the residential areas and barangays, tricycles (a motorcycle with a passenger cab attached) are commonly used.
The city government set up infrastructure that eased the flow of traffic. These roads, newly-built or rehabilitated, benefitted the Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association (TODA), jeepney and bus associations, and commuters.
ROAD INFRASTRUCTURE
Over the last three years, the city government supervised the construction and improvement of primary and secondary roads.
The year 2022 saw the erection of some 2,635 meters of road. The following year, in 2023, another 1,673 meters were added and by 2024 some 4,381 meters were constructed and improved
In sum, between 2022 and 2024, the total length built or rehabilitated reached 8,692 meters of road.
Last Oct. 6, a road construction project started 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 route.
This year marked the opening and concreting of the San Jose Farm to Market Road, as well as the improvement and rehabilitation of the roads in Barangays San Bartolome and San Antonio.
Rehabilitation and improvement of four barangay bridges—Barangay San Pedro, San Felix, Sta. Ana, and San Isidro Norte/Sur—are likewise on-going.
ROAD SAFETY
The city government hired additional traffic enforcers and provided risk allowance for each traffic enforcer to ensure the smooth flow of traffic and, in the process, safeguard the safety of drivers and passengers.
A total of 55 tents were issued to TODA, providing basic shelter for the tricycle association’s members that served the city’s transportation needs at the barangay level.
To manage traffic, the City Traffic and Management Division (CTMD) enforced traffic rules and regulations, guaranteeing road safety for all motorists, commuters, and pedestrians in the city.
The CMTD regularly issues traffic advisories through the official Facebook page of the city government. These advisories inform Tomasinos about road accidents, incidents, road construction or rehabilitation, and traffic information for special occasions such as parades, street dancing and related activities that may cause traffic.
Last September, the City of Sto. Tomas celebrated its 5th anniversary as a component city. One of the highlights of the anniversary festivities was the AJAM Breakfast Ride for Cause. Together with Mayor AJAM, big bike riders and motorcycle enthusiasts participated in the charity event.
The CMTD, along with the Sto. Tomas PNP and barangay officials, combined their efforts to manage traffic and ensure the safety of Tomasinos.
The official Facebook page of the City of Sto.Tomas features Ligtas Kalye (Road Safety) Series, sharing tips on road safety for motorists and drivers.
FUTURE PLANS
The city government is set to implement the rehabilitation of climate-resilient roads in Barangays San Pedro and San Miguel.
Another pipeline project is the putting up of directional signages that provide guidance and direction to individuals—pointing to the correct route or pathway to take to reach a particular location or destination in the city.
