LTO-Davao Cites Road Works, Poor Roads in Recent Accidents

THE Land Transportation Office–Davao Region (LTO-Davao) identified ongoing road works and related issues as significant factors affecting road safety, following recent vehicular incidents in Davao City.

Yuri Lim, head of LTO-Davao’s Law Enforcement Section, highlighted that road-related challenges remain a priority, especially in ensuring public safety. He pointed out that some unopened bypass roads are being misused for drag racing and social media vlogging.

“Minsan challenge din ito sa mga vloggers. Let us work together to be responsible ones. Instead of promoting these types, why not promote road safety? Be a positive promoter of different kinds of safety dili lang sa kalsada (Sometimes this is also a challenge for vloggers. Let us work together to be responsible ones. Instead of promoting these types of content, why not promote road safety? Be a positive promoter of different kinds of safety, not just on the road),” Lim said during the Kapehan sa Dabaw event at SM City Davao on May 19, 2025.

Lim said that poorly maintained and newly opened roads contribute to accidents due to the lack of streetlights and proper traffic signs, which make these areas hotspots for reckless behavior. Older routes such as Buda Road and the Panacan-to-Lasang stretch are also under evaluation for improvements, including the addition of lighting and signage.

Emphasizing that road safety is a shared responsibility, Lim said it involves not only LTO, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Philippine National Police (PNP), but also licensed drivers and pedestrians.

LTO-Davao has formed a task force that conducts weekly surprise inspections of Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) in their garages. The teams, composed of LTO and LTFRB personnel, prohibit defective vehicles from operating until they are repaired.

A new memorandum has strengthened the nationwide road safety campaign. District offices are now required to engage PUJ drivers, taxi and bus operators, and other motorists. Outreach programs with trucker groups and schools are ongoing, alongside grassroots campaigns and barangay caravans promoting responsible driving.

Meanwhile, Davao City Councilor Edgar Ibuyan Jr., chair of the Committee on Public Works and Highways, revealed in a May 20 interview that he has proposed an ordinance to hold not only the DPWH and City Engineer’s Office but also contractors accountable for damages caused by road projects.

“We come up with the proposals to penalize contractors or even to file administrative cases sa atoang mga City Engineer’s Office o sa atoang DPWH (We propose to penalize contractors or even file administrative cases against our City Engineer’s Office or DPWH),” Ibuyan said.

He underscored the need for proper signage and on-site personnel at construction sites to manage traffic and equipment. However, many projects reportedly lack these safety measures.

Ibuyan also disclosed that several major infrastructure projects have yet to receive funding despite being listed in the General Appropriations Act, attributing the shortfall to strained relations between the local and national governments.

Recent incidents highlight the urgent need to address these road safety concerns: five people were injured in a crash along the Davao-Bukidnon National Highway in Sitio Pagan, Barangay Marilog, at 5:50 a.m. Another fatal accident occurred on May 18 at 2:55 p.m. along the Daang Maharlika Highway in Kilometer 27, Licanan, Lasang. RGP