The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) vowed on Wednesday, July 13, to intensify the road-clearing operations in the National Capital Region (NCR) in preparation for the opening of classes that is expected to shift to face-to-face based on the instruction of Vice President and Education Sec. Sara Duterte-Carpio.
Director Baltazar Melgar, MMDA officer-in-charge, said they expect more vehicles to hit the road in Metro Manila once the classes resume and as such, there is a need to maximize the road use.
"We can no longer accommodate the construction of more roads in Metro Manila so our focus is on road-clearing operations in order to fully implement alternate roads for our motorists," said Melgar during the Laging Handa briefing over PTV 4.
Melgar's statement came three days after Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos ordered all local government units to clear roads of any obstruction amid complaints that some roads are being used as parking spaces.
Other complaints includes some people occupying roads for their small businesses while some also occupy sidewalk.
"These roads must be cleared for our alternate routes as a way of addressing traffic problems here in Metro Manila," said Melgar.
He said they are now also discussing strategic deployment of MMDA traffic enforcer to address traffic violations that usually cause traffic jams.
Meanwhile, Melgar said the MMDA will consult with the mayors of Metro Manila on whether or not another coding scheme will be used once the classes for public and private schools start.
Currently, the MMDA is implementing a number coding scheme from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., except in Makati City.