Davao commuters still struggle as traffic congestion persists

‎Commuters in Davao City continue to face heavy traffic conditions, with many saying daily travel remains time-consuming and exhausting despite ongoing discussions on improving road conditions.
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‎On the ground, residents expressed dismay at the worsening traffic situation, particularly during peak hours.
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‎“Traffic is really heavy, especially during rush hour. Sometimes it takes me a long time to get home from work,” Gab, a delivery rider in Davao, said in Cebuano.
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‎For workers who rely on daily travel, the impact goes beyond inconvenience and affects their livelihood.
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‎“It has a big impact because a lot of time is wasted on the road, and sometimes it even delays our income,” call center agent Grace said.
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‎The situation reflects a broader concern among commuters who continue to experience delays, longer travel times, and increased transportation costs.
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‎Supporting these experiences, data from the TomTom Traffic Index showed that Davao remains the most congested city in the Philippines in 2025.
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‎The report recorded a 58.2% congestion level for the city, slightly higher than the previous year, with motorists losing an estimated 129 hours annually in rush hour traffic.
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Manila, which ranked second on the list, recorded a slightly lower congestion percentage and 123 hours lost.
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‎Globally, Davao placed among the worst-performing cities in terms of congestion, highlighting the scale of the problem beyond the local context.
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‎Despite being outside the National Capital Region, Davao’s traffic situation shows that congestion is no longer limited to Metro Manila but is also affecting major regional urban centers.