Lipa City Launches AI Traffic System to Ease Congestion

Lipa City is set to deploy an artificial intelligence-powered traffic monitoring system aimed at reducing peak-hour travel times on major roads by 15% to 20%.

The project, called the “AI-Powered Traffic Analytics and Decision Support System for Sustainable Mobility and Traffic Decongestion,” was approved by the Department of Science and Technology through its Calabarzon regional office.

According to DOST Batangas Information Officer John Maico Hernandez, the initiative forms part of the Smart and Sustainable Communities Program, a partnership between DOST-Calabarzon and the Lipa City government.

Eric B. Africa formally received the approval notice for the grant-assisted project on May 19.

Under the DOST Grants-in-Aid Program, DOST-Calabarzon approved a PHP3 million grant, while the city government will provide a PHP4 million counterpart fund to deploy SEERMO, an AI-assisted urban mobility analytics platform.

The SEERMO system will analyze CCTV footage, administrative records, and field validation data to map traffic flow, vehicle volume, congestion hotspots, and mobility behavior across the city.

Officials said the platform is expected to improve traffic management, road safety, and long-term transport planning through data-driven decision-making.

Hernandez noted that Lipa City currently relies on manual traffic observation, fixed signal timing, road widening, and alternate routes to address congestion. However, the lack of integrated traffic analytics has limited the city’s ability to identify recurring bottlenecks and implement long-term solutions.

The project is also expected to improve economic productivity, reduce fuel consumption, lower carbon emissions, and strengthen the city’s competitiveness as it moves toward smarter and more sustainable urban development.

DOST officials said Lipa City is the first local government unit in Batangas province to implement the AI-driven traffic analytics initiative.