(Photo courtesy of MMDA)
MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will deploy 2,637 personnel to manage traffic and support security operations during the 49th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Summit in Metro Manila.
MMDA Traffic Discipline Office for Enforcement Director Victor Nuñez said Wednesday that no general road closures would be implemented during the summit, except within designated security exclusion zones surrounding the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).
The restricted areas cover Atang Dela Rama Street, Vicente Sotto Street, Pedro Bukaneg Street and Magdalena Jalandoni Street from November 9 to 18.
Only vehicles with authorized ASEAN stickers and accredited personnel will be allowed to enter the PICC complex.
“So we’re very consistent sa pag-anunsyo sa publiko na wala ho tayong road closures,” Nuñez said.
However, temporary stop-and-go traffic schemes will be enforced whenever convoys carrying heads of state and other delegates pass through major roads.
Northbound motorists coming from Diokno Boulevard and Macapagal Boulevard may use Seaside Boulevard, Macapagal Boulevard, EDSA and Roxas Boulevard as alternative routes.
Southbound motorists along Roxas Boulevard heading toward Diokno Boulevard and Macapagal Boulevard will be directed through EDSA, Diokno Boulevard and Macapagal Boulevard.
Trucks will also be rerouted from November 15 to 18, with port-bound vehicles required to display visible destination signs on their windshields.
The MMDA personnel will be deployed from November 13 to 19, including traffic enforcers, street sweepers, emergency response teams and accredited towing operators stationed along designated ASEAN routes.
Meanwhile, Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group Acting Director Brig. Gen. Joyce Patrick Sangalang said 716 personnel would be assigned to escort visiting heads of state, their spouses, ministers and other delegates.
Department of Transportation Assistant Secretary Manuel Cabochan III said EDSA Busway lanes would be adjusted to accommodate ASEAN convoys, with temporary traffic interruptions expected between the Ayala Tunnel and Magallanes Flyover.
The expanded number coding scheme will also be suspended from November 16 to 18, coinciding with the special non-working days declared in the National Capital Region.
MMDA announces holiday traffic measures
Meanwhile, MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes announced adjustments to shopping mall operations in preparation for the Christmas rush.
From November 16 to December 25, malls across Metro Manila will operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on regular weekdays, with weekends and holidays exempted from the adjusted schedule.
Mall deliveries will be restricted to 11 p.m. until 5 a.m., except for perishable goods.
Mall-wide sales will be prohibited on weekdays, while individual store promotions may proceed provided operators submit traffic management plans to the MMDA at least two weeks before the event.
Restaurants, supermarkets and government service offices inside malls may maintain their regular operating hours. Cinemas will also be allowed to open earlier on December 25.
Artes said Metro Manila traffic is expected to peak from December 12 to 14 as residents begin traveling to their home provinces for the Christmas holidays.
The MMDA urged motorists to plan their trips, follow traffic advisories and allow additional travel time during the summit and the holiday season.
