Shaping Safer City

This study examines how governance practices, behavioral factors, and socio-cultural dynamics shape road safety culture in Marawi City. Anchored in the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB), the research explores how attitudes, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control influence compliance with traffic regulations in a complex urban context. A qualitative case study design was employed, utilizing in-depth interviews and focus group discussions with key informants from local government units, traffic enforcement agencies, and community leadership sectors. Data triangulation was achieved through document analysis and field narratives. Findings reveal that road safety culture is not solely dependent on regulatory frameworks but is strongly influenced by community-based education, institutional coordination, and culturally embedded values such as maratabat (honor and dignity). Persistent challenges include weak traffic education, less multi-sectoral participation, cultural sensitivity, and behavioral resistance shaped by socio-cultural norms. The study highlights the importance of continuous capacity-building for traffic enforcers, grassroots-level engagement through barangays, and culturally sensitive policy implementation. The study concludes that sustainable road safety in Marawi City requires an integrated approach combining governance reform, behavioral change strategies, and culturally responsive interventions. These findings contribute to the growing literature on urban safety governance in developing and post-conflict cities.