The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday announced its traffic management and deployment plan to ensure the safety and convenience of motorists and commuters during Holy Week.
MMDA Chairman Romando Artes ordered the deployment of traffic enforcers and resources for this year’s Semana Santa, including a total of 2,542 field personnel and 468 assets that will be strategically positioned on major roads across Metro Manila.
“Our personnel and assets will be placed on major thoroughfares leading to transport hubs and key areas in the city to manage traffic flow and assist motorists and commuters,” Artes said.
The MMDA Communications and Command Center (CCC) at the head office in Pasig City will operate 24/7, with a team monitoring real-time updates through closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras in critical areas across Metro Manila, as well as other activities and situations on the ground.
Starting April 16, during the activation of Oplan Semana Santa 2025, a strict no day-off, no absent policy will be enforced for field traffic personnel.
From April 18 to 20, skeletal deployment will focus on popular Visita Iglesia sites, including the traditional pilgrimage route to Antipolo and Grotto.
The MMDA Road Emergency Group will be on standby to provide roadside emergency services, with ambulances and tow trucks stationed in strategic locations throughout the metropolis.
Inter-agency support desks will also be established near bus terminals and other transportation hubs, and road emergency personnel will be ready to provide medical assistance and first aid.
Cleaning and road-clearing operations will take place to ensure that roads in Metro Manila are clean and obstruction-free, allowing for smooth vehicular and pedestrian movement.
Artes announced that provincial buses will be permitted to use EDSA from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on April 9, and throughout the day (24 hours) from April 16 to 20 to accommodate the expected influx of passengers traveling to and from the provinces.
“Provincial buses coming from North Luzon will terminate their trips at bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City, while those coming from South Luzon will stop at bus terminals in Pasay City,” Artes explained.
Road reblocking and repairs will be conducted in various areas of Metro Manila from 11 p.m. on April 16 until 5 a.m. on April 21. Affected roads will be fully passable by 5 a.m. on Monday, April 21, with announcements made via the MMDA’s official social media accounts.
The Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), commonly known as the number coding scheme, will be suspended on April 17 (Maundy Thursday) and April 18 (Good Friday)—both of which are declared holidays.
Authorities also advised commuters to avoid riding in out-of-line or “colorum” (unregistered) vehicles for their safety and security.
The public can call the MMDA Metrobase Hotline at 136 for traffic updates, road assistance, and other inquiries.
Following a recent isolated incident during one of the agency’s clearing operations, Artes has prohibited vlogging, recording, posting, and other forms of documentation of MMDA operations during official work hours, including by private vloggers.
Photos and videos of operations will be posted by the MMDA’s Public Information Office on platforms such as Facebook, X, and Instagram.