MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has unveiled its traffic management plans for Holy Week to ensure the safety and convenience of both motorists and commuters.
MMDA Chair Romando Artes announced that a total of 2,542 personnel and 468 assets will be deployed throughout Metro Manila starting April 16, as part of “Oplan Semana Santa.”
“We will implement a ‘no day-off, no absent’ policy for field personnel,” Artes stated at a press briefing at the MMDA headquarters in Pasig City on Friday, April 4. The MMDA’s Communications and Command Center will also remain operational 24/7 to monitor real-time traffic and security updates.
Key Traffic Plans:
Skeletal Deployment: From April 18 to 20, MMDA personnel will focus on Visita Iglesia sites and pilgrimage routes, particularly those leading to Antipolo and Grotto.
Emergency Support: The Road Emergency Group, ambulances, and tow trucks will be on standby across key locations.
Clean-Up Operations: Road clearing teams will ensure unhindered vehicular and pedestrian movement.
Provincial Bus Routes & UVVRP Suspension:
Provincial Buses: Provincial buses will be allowed on EDSA from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on April 9, and 24/7 from April 16 to 20. North Luzon buses will stop at Cubao terminals, while South Luzon buses will terminate at Pasay City terminals.
UVVRP Suspension: The Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) will be suspended on Maundy Thursday (April 17) and Good Friday (April 18) to ease traffic.
Roadworks & Vlogging Ban:
Road Reblocking: Various road repairs will be carried out from 11 p.m. on April 16 until 5 a.m. on April 21, with updates posted via MMDA’s social media channels.
Vlogging Ban: MMDA personnel and private vloggers are prohibited from documenting operations during work hours to prevent incidents like the recent one involving MMDA officials.
For real-time traffic updates and road assistance, the public is encouraged to contact MMDA’s Metrobase Hotline at 136.
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