The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will deploy over 1,400 traffic enforcers among other measures to reduce road congestion during the All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day holidays and thr Yuletide season.
The MMDA will activate its ‘Oplan Undas 2023’ on Oct. 27 to ensure the orderliness of this year’s traditional observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively.
A total of 1,448 traffic enforcers and other personnel from the Traffic Discipline Office, Road Emergency Group, Metro Parkways Clearing Group, and Task Force Special Operations will be deployed in key areas of the metropolis.
No day off and no absent policy will be strictly enforced among traffic personnel, with different tasks for ‘Undas’.
Among the agency’s traffic alleviating measures for the Christmas season include the temporary suspension of excavation activities in Metro Manila from Nov. 13 to Jan. 8, 2024, including road reblocking works, pipe-laying, and road upgrading.
MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes said traffic volume in Metro Manila increases during the holidays, making it necessary to implement effective and sustainable measures.
Shopping mall operators will be required to submit traffic management plans to the MMDA for their sales and promotional events two weeks before the scheduled dates. Mall-wide sales will only be allowed on weekends, and deliveries of shopping mall operators will only be allowed during nighttime.
They were also asked to adjust their mall operating hours from 11 am to 11 pm starting Nov. 13, said Artes.
The MMDA is also working with other government agencies to ensure public transportation systems are prepared to accommodate the commuting public and encourage the use of the Pasig River Ferry Service for convenient and traffic-free rides.
The nighttime duty of traffic enforcers will be extended until 12 midnight, effective Nov. 13 to Jan. 8.
Artes ordered traffic enforcers to avoid “kumpulan” or grouping and unnecessary use of cellular phones while on duty except when reporting traffic situations or accidents in their areas of assignment.
Traffic management will be prioritized, and apprehension of simple moving violations causing traffic congestion will be avoided.
