The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) vowed on Monday, Jan 16, to aggressively conduct clearing operations to ensure that all the alternative roads in Metro Manila would be cleared of obstruction and always available to motorists.
MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said they are in constant coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and local government units to ensure that the Mabuhay Lanes, which are alternative roads for EDSA and other major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, are usable at all times.
He said coordination is also being done with the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) for its local police units to help in clearing the Mabuhay Lanes and maintain the roads that were already cleared of obstructions.
“We shall have no let-up in clearing the Mabuhay Lanes of different kinds of obstructions. That is proof that the government is serious in making our key routes accessible,” said Artes.
“Everytime the MMDA, DILG, and the police force conduct clearing, it will be turned over to the barangay captain in charge of the area. Those who will fail to maintain its cleanliness and orderliness could be charged with an administrative case,” he warned.
On Monday, Jan. 16, the MMDA, backed with other agencies, conducted another clearing operation in Baclaran by three teams from the agency.
Artes also said that the MMDA will seek the support of President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. on plans to build a permanent area for vendors in Baclaran to provide them selling space that would keep them off the roads.
DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Felicito Valmocina said that their office now has a monitoring team that will coordinate with the DILG-NCR to ensure that Mabuhay Lanes are clean and clear.
“We will be employing new approaches to ensure commitment and prioritization of obstruction-free Mabuhay Lanes. It is high time for our LGUs, especially our barangay heads, to act and sustain our clearing efforts,” said Valmocina.
For her part, Pasay City Mayor Imelda Calixto-Rubiano expressed her full support to the plans of providing Baclaran vendors permanent space to sell, as well as clearing of the Mabuhay Lanes, as part of the city’s vision.