The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is making its preparations for this year’s Holy Week exodus. The agency intends to have a faster and more coordinated traffic management response by setting up a multi-agency command center (MACC).
The MMDA is preparing for the 2023 Holy Week
The MACC will consist of representatives from various government agencies including the MMDA. The Department of Transportation (DOTr), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB), and Land Transportation Office (LTO) will be among the MACC.
The Inter-Agency Council for Traffic, Philippine National Police, and local government units will also join MMDA’s MACC. The MACC will be stationed at MMDA’s Metrobase starting April 3.
The main goal of MMDA’s MACC is to ensure a faster traffic management response. Through the MACC, the MMDA believes that monitoring the status of key transport hubs and major roads will be easier and more coordinated.
MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes said that the MACC will allow real-time updates on bus terminals in Metro Manila. The MMDA is expecting an influx of passengers on bus terminals who will travel outside Metro Manila from April 3 to April 6.
MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Don Artes
“Through this inter-agency action center, we can monitor real-time updates on bus terminals across Metro Manila to ensure safer travel of the commuting public and orderly traffic flow in our roads as we observe the Holy Week,” Artes said.
The MMDA also said that ambulances and tow trucks will be positioned along key areas in Metro Manila. Although, the agency has yet to release the exact locations as to where it plans to deploy those vehicles. The MMDA and the LGUs are also preparing for any eventualities in case there will be stranded passengers.
In line with the 2023 Holy Week, the MMDA has suspended the number coding scheme starting April 6 (Maundy Thursday) until April 10.
Meanwhile, MMDA’s Oplan Metro Alalay Semana Santa 2023 will be activated from April 5 (Holy Wednesday) until April 10. The agency shared that will deploy a total of 2,104 personnel on major roads as well as on key transport hubs to ensure a safe and smooth traffic flow.
"MMDA traffic personnel will be assigned to roads leading to bus terminals, seaports, airports, and major churches across the metropolis, to guide the commuters taking advantage of the Lenten season and to ensure unimpeded traffic flow," said Artes.
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The MMDA will monitor the entry and exit points to and from Metro Manila such as the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), Coastal Road, McArthur Highway, Marcos Highway, Mindanao Avenue, and A. Bonifacio.
Traffic enforcers will also be deployed to churches to assist traffic for motorists doing Visita Iglesia. MMDA personnel will be visible in churches like the Redemptorist Church (Parañaque), Sto. Domingo (Quezon City), San Agustin (Intramuros), and Quiapo (Manila), among others.
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