Insider Spotlight
- A Filipino-owned AI firm targets Metro Manila’s worsening congestion
- Early pilot rollouts signal rising LGU demand for smart traffic tools
- The system positions AI as an economic and mobility solution, not just tech
A Filipino-owned artificial intelligence startup is taking aim at one of Metro Manila’s most persistent urban problems with the launch of MetroAI, a new system designed to help authorities respond faster to traffic congestion and road incidents.
SoftPhil Technologies, based in Marikina City, introduced MetroAI as traffic conditions once again deteriorate during the busy holiday travel season, when gridlock across major roads reaches peak levels.
Why it matters
Traffic congestion in Metro Manila is not just a daily frustration for commuters. It is a structural economic issue that erodes productivity, raises transportation costs, and reduces overall quality of life.
Congestion is estimated to cost the Philippine economy billions of pesos each day in lost time and inefficiencies, making effective traffic management a high-stakes governance challenge.
By using artificial intelligence to automate monitoring and detection, MetroAI aims to help government agencies shift from reactive traffic control to proactive planning and faster intervention.
How it works
MetroAI leverages deep neural networks and edge-based AI processing to analyze live camera feeds in real time. The system can automatically detect congestion patterns, road accidents, and traffic violations, alerting authorities immediately rather than relying on manual monitoring.
“Traffic is a solvable problem. With MetroAI, we finally have the tools to address it proactively rather than reactively,” said Jerome Ramos, CEO of SoftPhil Technologies.
Jerome Ramos
CEO, SoftPhil Technologies
Between the lines
The launch, detailed in a company press release, comes with early signs of traction. SoftPhil has secured pilot rollout agreements covering major roads in Taytay, Rizal, scheduled for the first quarter of 2026.
The company is also in progressive discussions with the Provincial Government of Zambales, pointing to growing confidence in AI-driven traffic systems beyond Metro Manila.
Economic angle
SoftPhil positions MetroAI not just as a mobility tool, but as an economic intervention. By improving traffic flow and reducing delays, the system could help cities recover lost productivity and lower logistics and transportation costs.
“If we can help cities cut congestion even by 10 to 15 percent, the impact on productivity, transportation costs, and overall quality of life would be transformative,” Ramos added.
Zoom outWhile Metro Manila remains the epicenter of the country’s traffic crisis, interest from provincial local government units is accelerating as urban centers expand.
“The surge of interest from LGUs outside Metro Manila signals a paradigm shift—AI adoption is becoming a national priority,” Ramos said.
“These pilot deployments in neighboring regions are just the beginning. We’re building a full-scale framework that will enable nationwide implementation.” —Princess Daisy C. Ominga | Ed: Corrie S. Narisma
