ILOILO City – A major shake-up in Iloilo City’s traffic management system is underway.
The city government is moving to professionalize and regularize its traffic enforcers through the merger of the Traffic and Transportation Management Office (TTMO) and the Public Order and Safety Management Office (POSMO).
The initiative, described as a “reform-driven integration,” seeks to replace the current contractual setup with a formal plantilla structure — granting enforcers full authority, accountability, and job security.
According to TTMO-POSMO head retired police colonel Uldarico Garbanzos, the merger will open plantilla positions for Traffic Enforcer I and II, which will qualify them for official deputation by the Land Transportation Office (LTO).
“Kun mangin regular sila, indi lang sila temporaryo nga naga-enforce. May full authority na sila nga magpatuman sang national traffic laws, kag may mas klaro nga accountability. Indi sila magasalig lang sa temporary appointments,” Garbanzos explained.
He added that regularization will strengthen internal leadership and discipline.
“Ang regular nga enforcers mahimo nga mangin team leaders kag role models. May mas maayo nga chain of command, kag indi na sila maglantaw nga ara lang sila para sa temporary nga trabaho. This will give them dignity as public servants,” he said.
The hiring process will begin once the merger is completed, restoring the structure similar to the former Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO).
The announcement coincided with the city’s recognition of 16 traffic enforcers and green guards for exemplary public service. Their acts of honesty and compassion included helping persons with disabilities and senior citizens, assisting motorists in distress, and returning lost valuables such as wallets and cellphones.
Two enforcers were posthumously honored.
“These small but meaningful acts show the true spirit of service. Indi lang ni trabaho, kundi vocation. Despite the heat, the rain, kag ang pressure nga ila ginatubang sa dalanon, makita naton nga may mga enforcers nga matuod nga nagaalagad sa pumuluyo,” Garbanzos said.
He emphasized that the commendation program aims to set a standard within the ranks.
“This should serve as an example. Ang integrity kag katampad, amo na ang pinakaimportante. Indi mag-intra sa malain nga aktibidad, kay ang aton opisina nagapangita gid sang mga enforcers nga matinlo ang serbisyo,” he added.
Garbanzos assured that the merger and regularization drive form part of the city’s broader push to instill professionalism, discipline, and efficiency in maintaining road safety and public order./PN
