Chapter I
Introduction
1.1 Background of the study
Traffic Management is widely known as the practice of modifying or altering traffic
systems through the utilization of an existing road system to achieve specific goals
without using significant new road construction. Additionally, it applies to any
organizations in charge of determining the needs for traffic flow, including planning,
finance, building and/or upkeep of public facilities for such movement. Additionally, it
also refers to any organizations in charge of granting permission, authorizing, limiting,
halting, prohibiting or regulating how these facilities are used. (De Castro et. al, 2011).
Specifically in Zamboanga City, one of the busiest local area is situated in Tetuan.
Known as a progressive barangay due to its wide range of business establishments,
public and private elementary and secondary schools, university, hospital, churches,
entertainment hubs and many more- making it a populated and crowded place.
One major problem of the said barangay is the extreme traffic jams especially this
time wherein several roads are closed due to ongoing constructions. Aside from this,
undisciplined drivers who often disregard rules on overtaking, loading and unloading,
passengers as well as pedestrians are also some of the most prominent causes of traffic
congestion. There are several local government agencies concerned with this issue such
as the Barangay Officials of Tetuan, the City Engineers Office, the Local Government Unit
of Zamboanga City and as well the local Department of Public Works and Highways, but
none seem to respond and find an alternative to this major issue which makes the lives
of the residents difficult especially when coming to school and workplaces.
For instance, passengers of Public Utility Vehicles such as jeepney had a hard time in
commuting especially during peak hours specifically in the morning and near evening.
This is not only because of the closed roads but due to the huge number of vehicles
flowing not only from barangay Tetuan but as well from the neighboring barangays like
Tugbungan, Talon-Talon, and Guiwan. Another is the lack of supervision and control by
traffic enforcers within the area accompanied by minimal traffic warning signs.
The voluminous number of vehicles, on-going road constructions, unruly drivers and
pedestrians augments the difficulty of the situation which resulted to students getting
late in going to their respective classes while others are having a hard time to leave their
homes earlier in order to arrive on time.
The researchers of this study aims to assess present traffic conditions and help traffic
enforcers of Barangay Tetuan to manage traffic flow, enforcement of traffic laws,
regulations, and rules without fear or favor in an effort to significantly reduce traffic
difficulties and stop additional contributing elements that may result to impede the
natural flow of life.
