A LAWMAKER here lobbied for the creation of an ordinance establishing the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into the traffic management system of the city.
Councilor Bonz Andrei Militar proposed the ordinance in his privilege speech during Tuesday’s regular session.
Militar noted the current traffic lights are outdated and follow a fixed timer, regardless of the number of cars on the road, which wastes fuel and time of commuters.
“I am formally introducing an ordinance for the Installation of AI- Generated Traffic Light Systems in our city. This ordinance is a core part of our city’s key point agenda where the goal is to digitalize government services and transform our city into a true Smart City,” Militar said.
Instead of a simple clock, the lights use cameras to see and analyze the traffic in real-time, prioritizing the traffic zone areas.
Traffic zone areas include the critical intersections and main roads where congestion is at its worst.
The proposed system will perform real-time analysis of every lane and generate the proper time to change lights based on actual volume.
“Travel will be faster as it reduces ‘stop-and-go’ driving with its real-time analysis of traffic and will generate a proper countdown helping people get to work, school, or home faster,” Militar said.
He added that the system will immediately detect accidents or stalled vehicles. The AI will instantly generate a proper countdown and adjust to divert flow and prevent a massive traffic jam from forming, rather than waiting for a manual report.
“Emergency also is a priority as the system will give green lights where they are needed most and clear the way for ambulances and emergency and disaster response vehicles instantly,” he added.
The AI will also detect the city buses under the Davao City Bus System to ensure the buses arrive on time at designated spots.
“We cannot solve 2026s traffic problems with 1990s technology. Digitalization must be felt on the streets, not just on a computer screen,” he stressed.
The proposed measure was passed on first reading and referred to the committee on information and technology for appropriate actions.
