JICA and MMDA join hands to ease Metro Manila traffic using intelligent transport systems

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) convened the first Joint Coordination Committee (JCC) meeting for the Technical Cooperation Project (TCP) for Capacity Enhancement on Traffic Management with Improvement of Intelligent Transportation Systems for Metropolitan Manila (MMITS) at the MMDA Head Office on July 10, 2025.

The JCC was co-chaired by MMDA Chairperson Atty. Romando Artes and JICA Philippines Senior Representative FUKUI Keisuke, and was attended by representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev), Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), 17 Local Government Units (LGUs) in Metro Manila, and the academe.

The new three-year project, MMITS, builds on the outcomes of the previous JICA-MMDA TCP, Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan (CTMP) for Metro Manila, which was conducted from 2019 to 2022. Among the 10 initiatives proposed under the CTMP, the enhancement of ITS and development of a database system were identified as priority actions, which the MMITS now aims to implement.

In the JCC meeting, MMDA Chairperson Atty. Romando Artes noted, "We are proud to highlight that this marks the second collaboration between JICA and MMDA on traffic management, further reinforcing the implementation of our recently formulated comprehensive traffic management plan for Metro Manila."

JICA supports MMDA's vision of developing an efficient, commuter-oriented, and smart transport system in and beyond Metro Manila. The agency also commits to strengthening MMDA's capacity to utilize ITS in traffic management by focusing on three key areas: enhancing ITS planning capability, improving ITS implementation utilizing new technology and equipment such as "Vehicle-to-Everything" (V2X) wireless vehicle communication system, and Smart poles which monitor traffic flow, detect accidents, and provide real-time traffic updates, and establishing an integrated traffic data management system. MMITS will contribute to the achievement of the 5-Year Action Plan on Traffic Management, which was formulated under CTMP.

"What is important is the commitment of MMDA, the LGUs, other departments, and the academe in addressing the traffic problem for the development of the country. Coordination is necessary due to the nature of traffic management," said FUKUI Keisuke, JICA Philippines Senior Representative.

During the JCC meeting, the roles of the technical working groups and monitoring mechanisms were also discussed to ensure a coordinated and accountable approach moving forward.

The MMITS project exemplifies the strong partnership between Japan and the Philippines in building smarter, more sustainable cities. Through continued coordination among national and local government agencies and academic institutions, the initiative seeks to deliver long-term solutions to Metro Manila's traffic challenges, ultimately improving mobility, productivity, and quality of life for Filipinos.

Participants of the Joint Coordination Committee at the MMDA Office. Photo courtesy of MMDA.