The Metro Manila Development Authority announced on Monday it will take traffic, flood and disaster management help from the sky using new remote-controlled drones donated to the agency.
MMDA chairman Danilo Lim said the four new drones will also be used in managing vehicle traffic during the opening of classes and monitoring flood situations in the coming months.
“These drones are significant tools to help us in our decision-making since real-time footages of ongoing events can be provided,” said Lim.
Meanwhile, authorities arrested a bogus MMDA traffic enforcer victimizing motorists along Andrews Avenue in Pasay City on Sunday.
The suspect, identified as Marlon Berame, 35, a resident of Muntinlupa City, is now detained at the Pasay City Police Station and will be charged with usurpation of authority before the city prosecutors office.
At present, MMDA’s traffic monitoring is done on the ground at the Metrobase using closed-circuit television cameras installed all over the metropolis.
“These drones will now give us a bigger picture for faster and orderly traffic management on congested areas.”
During the rainy season, Lim said these drones can help map out areas to a large extent and can even simulate flooding.
“Thus, we can immediately send teams with portable pumps to mitigate flooding,” said Lim.
Drones can stay in the air for 20-30 minutes, have altitude limit of 400 feet and can fly up to seven kilometers range.
“We can provide live feed even on Facebook, computers, and gadgets while the drone is flying,” said Lim.
The MMDA chief said 12 personnel from different offices, who completed training, have been tasked to operate the four units.
“These drones will serve as our eye in the sky. We thank the people who donated these drones,” he said.
Aside from four drones, the donation comes with a tablet, remote control, and set of batteries. Three drones cost at least P100,000 while one costs at least P400,000.
Meanwhile, the MMDA in partnership with the Department of Health launched “Botika Ni Digong” designed to provide free medicine to agency employees, especially those with maintenance medicines.
“This is just one of the programs of President Rodrigo Duterte to help personnel who cannot afford prescription and high-priced medicines for diabetes, high blood pressure or hypertension,” said Lim.
For her part, DoH’s Dr. Corazon Flores, said the “Botika Ni Digong” will be set up at the agency’s headquarters.
“This is for government workers who cannot visit health centers. Without leaving the office, employees can have easy access to medicines for free,” said Flores.