DAVAO CITY – This city remained the most congested city in the Philippines in 2025, ranking 12th out of 482 cities worldwide in the latest TomTom Traffic Index.

Davao City recorded an average congestion level of 66.2 percent and placed fourth among 75 Asian cities included in the index.

Congestion level was defined as the average percentage increase in travel time due to traffic relative to free-flow conditions.

The Philippines emerged as the most congested country in Asia with a nationwide congestion level of 45 percent. India and Singapore followed with 37 percent.

The index said motorists in Davao City travel an average of 4.4 kilometers within 15 minutes. Annual time lost to rush-hour traffic reached 168 hours, equivalent to more than seven days.

A 10-kilometer trip takes an average of 34 minutes and 17 seconds, while the average vehicle speed during peak hours is 14 kilometers per hour.

In 2024, Davao City ranked third globally out of 500 cities, with a congestion level of 49 percent.

Davao City assistant administrator and bus project manager Tristan Dwight Domingo said in an interview that traffic surveys should also review the city’s speed limit.

He explained that Davao City has lower speed limits than other cities, which have long been criticized and affect average vehicle speeds shown in traffic studies.

Domingo said congestion cannot be attributed solely to traffic volume, noting that rapid urban development and the increasing number of vehicles also contribute to the situation.

Despite these challenges, Domingo said the city continues to roll out measures to address traffic, noting that an efficient public transport system would greatly help reduce congestion.

Residents interviewed shared similar observations, saying traffic congestion in Davao City is generally concentrated during peak hours and in specific areas.

Cheradyl Serrano, 35, a private employee and resident of Barangay Mintal, said traffic in the city is noticeable but still less severe than in the National Capital Region.

Serrano said the city’s rapid growth and ongoing road projects are part of a transition phase and backed the proposed bus system.

“The High Priority Bus System, for instance, is a crucial tool to help decongest roads and improve access for both public and private vehicles,” Serrano said.

Mikko Barrete, 34, a government employee and resident of Barangay Sasa, said based on his experience, congestion is usually experienced during rush hours, but traffic continues to move.

Barrete pointed to road repairs as another factor affecting traffic flow, describing them as a normal consequence of urban development.

Crystal May Punay, 38, a private employee and resident of Barangay Tibungco, said traffic buildup is observed chiefly during peak hours and along major roads near malls and commercial centers.

Punay noted that Davao City serves as a central passageway for vehicles traveling to and from northern and southern provinces, contributing to traffic volume.

Aside from Davao City, Manila also appeared in the 2025 TomTom Traffic Index, ranking 40th globally and 12th in Asia.

Manila recorded an average congestion level of 57 percent, higher than the 42 percent in the previous index, despite dropping from 27th place globally.

Data showed that motorists in Manila also cover an average of 4.4 kilometers in 15 minutes. Time lost due to rush-hour traffic reached 143 hours, or nearly six days.

A 10-kilometer drive takes an average of 31 minutes and 45 seconds in Manila, while the average rush-hour speed is 15.2 kilometers per hour.

TomTom said the index calculates congestion by comparing recorded travel times with the fastest possible travel times under free-flow conditions.

It also said higher congestion levels do not necessarily translate into slower overall speeds, as each city’s score is influenced by local infrastructure, road design, and speed regulations.