The 21st Davao City Council on Tuesday approved on first reading the proposed ordinance establishing the Integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the City’s Traffic Management System.
The measure was proposed by Davao City Councilor Bonz Andrei Militar through a privileged speech, highlighting the necessity of inputting digitalization in the city’s roads.
“Our city is growing. We cannot solve 2026’s traffic problems with 1990s technology. Digitalization must be felt on the streets, not just computer screens. By adopting this system, we are telling our constituents that we value their time and quality of life,” he said.
He said that with the Installation of the AI-Generated Traffic Light System in the city, it is easier to see and analyze the traffic in real time.
“We will prioritize our Traffic Zone area. Those critical intersections and main roads where congestion is at its worst,” Militar said.
He said that real time analysis will generate proper time to change lights based on actual volume, ensuring that no green light is wasted on an empty road.
“Travel will be faster as it reduces “stop- and-go” driving with the real time analyzation of traffic and will generate proper countdown, helping people to get to work, school, or home faster,” he added.
Militar said the system will also detect accidents or stalled vehicles, and will adjust to divert flow and prevent a massive traffic jam from forming.
“Emergency also is a priority as the system will give green lights where these are needed most and clear the way for ambulances and emergency and disaster response vehicles instantly. As we improve our public transport, this AI will also detect our city buses under the Davao City Bus system making sure our buses arrive on time,” he said.
The measure has been referred to the respective committee/s concerned. CIO
