The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has recruited 300 traffic personnel to strengthen its force managing congested main roads in the National Capital Region, especially along Epifanio de los Santos Avenue.
MMDA chairman Benjamin Abalos Jr. said the new recruits will undergo a 15-day training, covering topics such as academic and non-academic traffic management, physical training, traffic rules and regulations, values formation, human rights, and personality development.
The first batch of trainees have undergone RT-PCR swab test and all have tested negative for COVID-19.
The MMDA also filled up vacant positions left by personnel who resigned or were terminated from work.
Majority of MMDA traffic enforcers are classified as job order employees. They receive P8,000 a month as starting salary but not entitled to benefits and hazard pay.
The agency is planning to give hazard pay and other incentives to traffic enforcers whose lives are at risk while on duty.
A research study conducted by Emmanuel Baja of the National Institute for Health-University of the Philippines showed traffic enforcers deployed on Edsa face health risks such as high blood pressure and respiratory problems due to exposure to black carbon and heavy metals.