AROUND 2,542 field personnel will be deployed by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to ensure the safety and convenience of motorists and commuters during the observance of Holy Week.

MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes said the agency will implement full deployment of personnel and assets for this year’s Semana Santa.

Aside from the number of personnel, around 468 assets will also be positioned on major roads in Metro Manila.

“Our field personnel and assets will be positioned on major thoroughfares leading to transport hubs and key areas in the metropolis to manage traffic flow and guide motorists and commuters,” Artes said.

“The MMDA Communications and Command Center (CCC) at the MMDA Head Office in Pasig City will remain operational 24/7; there is a team tasked to monitor real-time updates through closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) on different critical areas across Metro Manila and other activities and situations on the ground,” he added.

A no-day-off, no-absent policy will be strictly implemented starting on April 16.

Skeletal deployment will be enforced on April 18, 19, and 20 to focus on the usual Visita Iglesia sites, including the “panata” route going to Antipolo and Grotto.

The MMDA Road Emergency Group will be on standby to provide roadside emergency services, while ambulances and tow trucks will be stationed in strategic locations across the metropolis.

Inter-agency support desks will also be set up near bus terminals and other transportation hubs and road emergency personnel will be on standby to provide medical assistance and first aid.

Cleaning and road-clearing operations will be conducted to ensure that various roads in Metro Manila are clean and obstruction-free to ensure unimpeded vehicular and pedestrian mobility.

Artes declared that provincial buses will be allowed to traverse EDSA from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on April 9, and from April 16 to 20. They will be allowed to pass through EDSA all day (24 hours) to accommodate the expected influx of passengers going to and from the provinces.

“Provincial buses coming from North Luzon shall end their trips at the bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City, while provincial buses from South Luzon shall stop their trips at the bus terminals in Pasay City,” Artes explained.

Road reblocking and repairs will be undertaken on various areas in NCR from 11 p.m. on April 16 until 5 a.m. on April 21. The affected roads will be fully passable by 5 a.m. on Monday, April 21. Announcements as to the areas will be made through the MMDA official social media accounts.

The Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP) or the number coding scheme is suspended on April 17 (Maundy Thursday) and April 18 (Good Friday), which are declared holidays.

Authorities also advised commuters to avoid riding out-of-line and “colorum” or unregistered vehicles for their safety and security.

The public may also call the MMDA’s Metrobase Hotline 136 for traffic updates, road assistance, and other inquiries.

AUTHOR PROFILE

Arlene Rivera