PROBLEM STATEMENTS
Transformative Traffic Solution
Problem Statement:
In 2018, a JICA study highlighted a significant economic loss due to traffic congestion in our
country, amounting to PHP 3.5 billion daily. Projections indicate this could rise to PHP 5.4
billion per day by 2035 if no solution is found. As of 2024, we have only 11 years left to address
this critical issue.
Currently, Manila ranks as the worst city globally for traffic congestion. In response, President
Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. convened a meeting with transportation-related agencies
and Metro Manila LGUs to formulate a comprehensive solution.
Despite the efforts of successive administrations, the traffic problem remains unresolved. Tim
Orbos, former MMDA chairman and traffic czar, aptly described Philippine traffic as a
"basketful of wicked problems" requiring equally complex solutions. He emphasized that the
issue is a product of numerous interconnected problems, necessitating multifaceted
approaches.
The persistent traffic challenges in our urban areas—such as congestion, accidents, and illegal
parking—are influenced by the behaviors of drivers, pedestrians, commuters, and enforcers, as
well as the actions of sectoral agencies. These challenges have significant economic,
environmental, and social impacts, underscoring the need for innovative, comprehensive
solutions.
Problem Statement:
In 2018, a JICA study highlighted a significant economic loss due to traffic congestion in our
country, amounting to PHP 3.5 billion daily. Projections indicate this could rise to PHP 5.4
billion per day by 2035 if no solution is found. As of 2024, we have only 11 years left to address
this critical issue.
Currently, Manila ranks as the worst city globally for traffic congestion. In response, President
Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. convened a meeting with transportation-related agencies
and Metro Manila LGUs to formulate a comprehensive solution.
Despite the efforts of successive administrations, the traffic problem remains unresolved. Tim
Orbos, former MMDA chairman and traffic czar, aptly described Philippine traffic as a
"basketful of wicked problems" requiring equally complex solutions. He emphasized that the
issue is a product of numerous interconnected problems, necessitating multifaceted
approaches.
The persistent traffic challenges in our urban areas—such as congestion, accidents, and illegal
parking—are influenced by the behaviors of drivers, pedestrians, commuters, and enforcers, as
well as the actions of sectoral agencies. These challenges have significant economic,
environmental, and social impacts, underscoring the need for innovative, comprehensive
solutions.
