Metro Manila experiences over 92,500 road accidents annually, resulting in an average of 410 deaths each year. In response, government agencies, local authorities, and the private sector have collaborated to develop “Metro Manila Road Safety Action Plan (MMRSAP) 2024-2028.”
The MMRSAP aims to reduce road crash fatalities by at least 35 percent in six years.
Leading the initiative is the Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA) with support from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), World Health Organization (WHO) Philippines, and The Policy Center (TPC) in connection with the Philippine Road Safety Month this May.
Alarming statistics
MMDA data show there have been approximately 92,583 road crashes every year. Of this figure, 51 percent of the fatalities were drivers, 36 percent were pedestrians, and 13 percent were passengers, according to the Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System of the agency.
To address this, the MMDA is developing the MMRSAP in partnership with various national agencies and local government units, including the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Health, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Land Transportation Office, National Capital Region Police Office, Highway Patrol Group, and the University of the Philippines – National Center for Transportation Studies.
Their discussions focused on the five pillars of road safety: road safety management, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer road users, and post-crash response.
Stakeholder insights
MMDA Assistant General Manager for Planning, Victor Pablo Trinidad, emphasized the collective commitment to creating safer road systems.
“Inspired by our discussions, we are poised to forge ahead in crafting a comprehensive action plan for safer and more efficient roads in Metro Manila,” he said.
Lawyer Yla Paras, president of TPC, assured the public that the plan would be inclusive, ensuring community involvement and prioritizing everyone’s safety.
DOTr Project Evaluation Officer, Paulo Mejia, highlighted the alignment with the national road safety plan, reinforcing the department’s dedication to transportation safety across the region.
Meanwhile, WHO Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rui Paulo de Jesus stressed the importance of multisectoral actions.
“Road safety is a shared responsibility. The Road Safety Action Plan for Metro Manila 2024-2028 will provide a blueprint for evidence-based interventions to save lives and prevent serious injuries from road crashes,” he said.
The MMRSAP is part of Project 6: Traffic Safety and Education under the 5-Year Action Plan of the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan for Metro Manila, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).
