#Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA)

[carlocarrasco]

Metro Manila Council (MMC) approves resolution, Metro Manila LGUs urged to remove dangling wires in all streets

Recently the Metro Manila Council (MMC) approved a resolution emphasizing the regulation of utility lines and urging local governments units (LGUs) in the National Capital Region (NCR) to remove the dangling wires in all streets, according to a Philippine News Agency (PNA) news article. To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from PNA news article. Some parts in boldface… The…

[upismediacenter]

OPINION: Bayad po, malayo bang masolusyonan ang krisis sa transportasyon?

Photo credit: Rachelle Baldelomar

Luntian, asul, pula, at dilaw—ito ang agaw-pansin na mga kulay ng mga bubong ng jeep na pumapasada sa loob ng UP Diliman. Sa lawak ng unibersidad, ito ang mga pangunahing moda ng transportasyon ng maraming mag-aaral at kawani ng UP, maging ng iba pang komyuter. Kasabay ng panunumbalik ng face-to-face classes ay siya namang pagtaas ng pamasahe, mga bagong ruta na ‘commuter-unfriendly’, at mas kaunting drayber na nagpalala sa oras ng paghihintay. Paglabas ng campus, sa Philcoa, Katipunan, o EDSA, nagpapatuloy pa rin ang mga eksena ng trapikong pahirap sa mga komyuter. Sa katunayan, ilang henerasyon na ng mga Pilipino ang nagtitiis sa bulok na sistema ng transportasyon—pagpapatunay na sa mga nakaraang administrasyong naupo sa pwesto, walang tiyak at maayos na plano ang naikasa para sa pangunahing pangangailangang ito.

Maiuugat ang lumalalang krisis ng transportasyon sa pagiging “intergenerational” nito. Dahil hindi naging maayos ang pagtugon ng mga nagdaang administrasyon, pasanin natin ito hanggang sa kasalukuyan. Nagkaroon ng mga hakbang ang huling dalawang administrasyon, katulad ng Public-Private Partnership projects (PPPs) ng administrasyong Aquino, na isa sa mga plano nitong pagkonektahin ang MRT-3 at LRT-1, at ang pamosong Build! Build! Build! (BBB) program ng administrasyong Duterte. Bagamat layunin ng PPPs at BBB program na paluwagin ang trapik sa Metro Manila, hindi matagumpay ang mga proyektong ito. Nakansela ang konstruksyon ng dalawang linya ng tren dahil sa kawalan ng maintenance plan. Sa pagwawakas ng termino ni Duterte, 12 sa 119 na BBB projects ang nasimulan at/o natapos. Bukod sa mabagal na usad ng mga proyekto, inilipat at inilaan ang pondong ito na inutang mula sa China para sa COVID-19 response. Ang ‘pagpapasa-pasa’ ng problemang ito ay ‘pagpapasa-pasa’ rin ng inkompetensiya sa bawat administrasyon dahil sa pagpalya ng mga plano at kakulangan ng maayos na pag-implementa rito. Sa pagpasok ng panibagong administrasyon, nagbabadya ang paglala ng krisis sa transportasyon. Ano nga ba ang mga hakbang ng administrasyong Marcos?

Isa rito ang pagbibigay ng panibagong pangalan sa BBB bilang ‘Build, Better, More’ (BBM) at paglalaan ng halos 120% increase sa 2023 budget para sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Ipagpapatuloy ng BBM program ang pagpapatayo ng BBB projects tulad ng kauna-unahang underground subway sa bansa o Mega Manila Subway, na pinondohan ng pautang mula sa Japan International Cooperation Agency. Kasabay naman ng konstruksyon nito noong Oktubre, ang patuloy na pagtaas ng inflation rate. Para sa buwan ng Nobyembre, naitala ang 7.7% rate na nagpataas ng presyo mga pangunahing bilihin, lalo na ng pagkain, at produktong petrolyo. Kaakibat ng pagtaas ng presyo ng petrolyo ang fare hike sa mga pampublikong sasakyan. Mula 11 piso noong Hulyo, tumaas ito sa presyong 12 piso sa loob lamang ng tatlong buwan.

Hindi lang bulsa ang masakit para sa mga komyuter, dahil mala-olympics ang agawan para sa mga pampublikong sasakyan. Nagmimistulang ‘events’ ang pakikipag-unahan, pakikipagsiksikan, paubusan ng pasensya sa mahahabang pila, pagsabit o pag-upo sa gitna ng jeep, pagtayo sa bus, at workout sa hita kapag kalahati na lang ng puwet ang nasasalo ng upuan. Naglipana man ang mga alternatibo na Transportation Network Vehicles Services (TNVS) katulad ng Grab at Angkas, mas mahal ito kaysa sa mga jeep o bus, at kinakailangan pa ng internet. Sa pagbabalik ng mga estudyante at mga empleyado sa daan, tugon ng Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) ang pagpapatupad ng bagong coding scheme, at itinuturing ang trapiko sa Metro Manila bilang “manageable”.

Sa kabilang banda, “kalbaryo” ang mas angkop na salita kung mga komyuter ang maglalarawan ng trapiko. Ang tagal ng pakikipag-agawan sa masasakyan, ay doble sa mismong itatagal ng biyahe. Dahil pagkatapos ng olympics, maiiba ang paligsahan, at karera ng mga pagong ang eksena sa mga sasakyan. Walang binatbat ang pagtitipid ng komyuter sa taas ng presyo ng mga bilhin at pamasahe sa dami ng kanyang oras at panahong maaaksaya dahil sa pagkakaipit sa trapiko. Pinapakita lamang nito na magkaakibat ang mga krisis sa transportasyon at ekonomiya ng bansa. At ayon sa Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, higit 3.5 bilyong piso araw-araw ang nawawala sa bansa dahil lamang sa trapiko sa Metro Manila.

Ang isang malaking kawalan para sa mga drayber at komyuter ay isa namang magandang bagay para sa mga car manufacturers. Sa patuloy na kawalan ng maayos, ligtas, at accessible na transportasyon, tumataas din ang bilang ng mga sasakyan sa daan. Higit pa itong pinapalala ng mga kumpanyang nag-aalok ng 0% downpayment kaya’t mas nahihikayat ang publiko na bumili ng kotse. Bukod pa rito, ang isinusulong na “modernisasyon” sa mga tradisyunal na jeep nitong pandemya ay isa na namang ‘win’, para sa mga kumpanya. Ang mga pamalit na EURO IV ay umaabot ng 1.6 milyong piso bawat yunit at iaangkat pa mula sa ibang bansa. Habang limpak-limpak ang kita ng mga dayuhang kumpanya, iniinda ng mga komyuter ang mataas na presyo ng bilihin at pamasahe, nagbabadya ang tuluyang phase out ng mga jeepney at mawalan ng hanap-buhay ang mga drayber.

Sa halip na bigyang prayoridad ang mga imprastrakturang makatutulong sa mga ordinaryong mamamayan, kapansin-pansin na pabor sa mga may kotse ang mga proyektong inuuna ng pamahalaan. Imbis na mga sidewalk, bike lane, at waiting shed, puro road widening at highways ang pinapagawa. Hindi maayos ang maintenance ng mga linya ng mga tren habang patuloy ang mga aberya dahil sa mga lumang bagon at equipment. Nitong Oktubre 4 lamang, sumiklab ang isang sunog sa MRT-3 dahil sa isang technical glitch. Sa halip na mapadali ang pagkokomyut, mas napeperwisyo ang mga mamamayan. Masyadong malayo ang mga tawiran, masyadong makikitid ang sidewalks, o ‘di kaya naman sobrang tarik ng mga footbridge kagaya sa Kamuning na binansagang “Mount of EDSA”. Ang mga konstruksyon at walang katapusang road improvements ay pawang dagdag pampabigat sa daloy ng trapiko. At higit sa lahat, nananatiling isa ang DPWH sa mga ahensiya ng pamahalaan na mayroong patong-patong na kaso ng korapsyon—isang malaking sampal sa naghihirap ng mga mamamayan, mapa-drayber o komyuter.

Malayong-malayo ang lagay ng transportasyon ng ating ilang kapitbahay sa Asya katulad ng Singapore. Ipinapakita nila na ang tamang pangangasiwa ng pamahalaan ay susi sa isang maayos na sistema ng transportasyon. Ang naturang bansa ay mayroong tatlong integradong ahensya; Land Transport Authority (LTA), Housing and Development Board (HDB), at Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA). Bawat isa ay may sariling tungkulin para sa pagpaplano, pagdedebelop ng teknolohiya, at pangkalahatang pagpapabuti ng mass transportation. Isinasaalang-alang ng mga ahensyang ito ang accessibility, sustainability, at pagiging environment-friendly ng kanilang mga proyekto kasabay ng pagbibigay-serbisyo sa halos 60% ng working class ng Singapore. Epektibo ang kanilang metropolitan planning at makikitang magkakakonekta, o magkakalapit ang mga ruta at sakayan sa mga residential area.

Ngunit, sa kaso ng Pilipinas, ayon kay Arch. Felino Palafox, “Metro Manila is now the model of how not do it [urban planning].” Nakaayon ang mga daan para sa mga may kotse at sa may-kaya. Nabubuo ang “gated communities” at “discriminatory zonings” na hindi pedestrian at biker-friendly, at pahirapan ang akses sa pampublikong transportasyon katulad ng nangyayari ngayon sa Makati. Dagdag ni Palafox, lubhang pumangit ang metropolitan planning ng Maynila noong kasagsagan ng Martial Law o mid-70s. Pinapatunayan ng lubhang magkaibang kalagayan ng transportasyon sa Singapore at Makati ang mahalagang papel na ginagampanan ng pamahalaang may pakialam sa kapakanan ng karamihan sa kanyang mamamayan.

Ibinabatid ng pagiging “intergenerational” ng krisis na ito, maging ng anumang suliraning pambansa, na ang mga komplikadong problema ay nangangailangan ng komprehensibong solusyon. Hindi ito basta-basta lamang nalulutas, kaya marapat lamang na pag-isipan at pagplanuhan habang isinasaalang-alang ang interes ng masang Pilipino, na silang pinakanaapektuhan at pinakanahihirapan. Sa mga ipinapakitang aksyon ng kasalukuyang administrasyong Marcos, o marahil ang nakababahalang kawalan ng mga ito, patuloy na malulugmok sa kahirapan ang ating bayan sa susunod pang mga taon. Hindi lamang ang tumataginting na 13.52 trilyong piso na ‘generational debt’ ang mamamana natin mula sa ating mga magulang. Kung ang kasalanan ng ama ay “hindi” kasalanan ng anak, sa konteksto ng ordinaryong mamamayang Pilipino, ang mga krisis na araw-araw nating iniinda ngayon, ay tiyak, na sila pa ring mga krisis na haharapin ng susunod ng henerasyon. //ni Sam Arinto

Mga Sanggunian:

(2021, August 11). ANALYSIS: Why Build, Build, Build won’t fix Manila’s traffic. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/explainers/analysis-why-build-build-build-will-not-fix-metro-manila-traffic/

Barroga, G., Galang, B. (2022, June 26). Hits and misses of Duterte's 'Build, Build, Build'. CNN Philippines. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/6/26/Duterte-administration-infrastructure-program-BBB.html

Buan, L. (2021, June 30). DOJ: Local governments, DPWH have most corruption complaints. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/nation/doj-report-corruption-complaints-lgus-government-agencies-2021/

Caling, R.R. (2020, November 6). Halted physical classes, looming phaseout burden UP jeepney drivers. Tinig ng Plaridel. https://www.tinigngplaridel.net/2020/up-jeepney-drivers/

Cayabyab, M. (2022, October 5). Fire disrupts LRT-1 operations. PhilStar. https://www.philstar.com/nation/2022/10/05/2214331/fire-disrupts-lrt-1-operations

Dinh Toan, T. (2018, November 24). Managing traffic congestion in a city: a study of Singapore's experiences. Research Gate. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/330776732_Managing_traffic_congestion_in_a_city_A_study_of_Singapore's_experiences/citation/download

Domingo, K. (2022, October 3). Marcos signals start of construction of Philippines' first subway. ABS-CBN News. https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/10/03/22/marcos-signals-start-of-first-ph-subways-construction

Esmael, L. (2022, November 3). PH debt soars to ₱13.52T in September. CNN Philippines. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/business/2022/11/3/PH-debt-soars-to-13.52T-September.html

Hallare, K. (2021, November 2). Why Metro Manila Is An Urban Planning ‘Mess,’ According To An Expert. One Network News. https://www.onenews.ph/articles/why-metro-manila-is-an-urban-planning-mess-according-to-an-expert

Japan International Cooperation Agency. (2022, February 16). JICA reassures commitment to support the “Project of the Century” in the Philippines [Press release]. https://www.cnnphilippines.com/news/2022/6/26/Duterte-administration-infrastructure-program-BBB.html

Laurel, D. (2022, August 22). MMDA: Vehicle volume during start of F2F classes ‘manageable,’ no traffic surge observed. Top Gear Philippines. https://www.topgear.com.ph/news/motoring-news/mmda-f2f-traffic-a962-20220822?ref=article_hyperlink

Mirasol, P.B. (2021, June 21). A look back at the PNoy administration. BusinessWorld Online. https://www.bworldonline.com/the-nation/2021/06/24/378119/a-look-back-at-the-pnoy-administration/

Ochave, R. (2022, May 9). PCCI seeks immediate action on NCR traffic to remove drag on economy. Business World Online. https://www.bworldonline.com/economy/2022/05/09/447325/pcci-seeks-immediate-action-on-ncr-traffic-to-remove-drag-on-economy/#:~:text=5%20billion%20is%20lost%20daily,the%20Japan%20International%20Cooperation%20Agency

Quismoro, E. (2022, August 23). Goodbye ‘Build, Build, Build’; P1.196-T sought for PBBM’s ‘Build, Better, More’ infrastructure program. Manila Bulletin. https://mb.com.ph/2022/08/23/goodbye-build-build-build-p1-196-t-sought-for-build-better-more-infrastructure-program/

Rivas, R. (2022, November 4). Philippine inflation rate soars to nearly 14-year high of 7.7%. Rappler. https://www.rappler.com/business/inflation-rate-philippines-october-2022/

Sabalo, W.B. (2022, September 17). Fare hike will impact on our budget – commuters. Cebu Daily News Inquirer. https://cebudailynews.inquirer.net/464520/fare-hike-will-impact-on-our-budget-commuters#ixzz7hkumLqJo

Sarne, V.B. (2019, June 6). More than the price, it’s the down payment that sways Pinoy car buyers. Visor PH. https://visor.ph/industry/more-than-the-price-its-the-down-payment-that-sways-pinoy-car-buyers/

Schuengel, F. (2018, November 5). This footbridge on EDSA is like a theme-park ride. Visor PH. https://visor.ph/traffic/this-footbridge-on-edsa-is-like-a-theme-park-ride/

[thxnews]

DILG Ramps Up Fight Against Trucker Extortion

DILG's Strong Stance Against Extortion

In a significant development, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has announced a stringent crackdown on the extortion of truckers, a move that has garnered widespread attention and support. This decision comes in the wake of persistent complaints from the trucking industry about illegal pass-through fees, despite a clear directive from President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to halt such practices.  

Addressing the Extortion Epidemic

Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has assured the trucking community, represented by the Confederation of Truckers Association of the Philippines (CTAP), of the government's commitment to combat these illicit activities. Moreover, with the backing of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the involvement of other concerned government agencies, there is a unified front against those undermining the transport sector's integrity.   Policing and Policy Enforcement Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., leading the PNP, plans to increase its visibility and vigilance to apprehend those involved in these criminal acts. A stern warning declares: that no leniency will be shown towards culprits, whether they are law enforcement officers or local government employees. This declaration marks a critical step in ensuring accountability and restoring trust within the trucking industry.   No Truck Ban in Metro Manila Further clarifying the situation, Abalos mentioned that neither the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) nor the local governments of Manila and Quezon City are imposing a truck ban. This clarification is crucial for maintaining the flow of goods and services across the capital, ensuring that businesses can operate without undue hindrances.  

A Unified Approach to Compliance

A one-month timeline has been established for the full implementation of measures to eliminate extortion practices. This deadline underscores the urgency and seriousness with which the DILG and its partners are addressing the issue, aiming for swift and effective solutions to a problem that has long plagued the trucking sector.   Collaborating with Local Governments MMDA Chair Romando Artes highlighted the importance of dialogue with local government units (LGUs) to resolve any conflicts or misunderstandings regarding truck bans and other related regulations. This collaborative approach is essential for creating a regulatory environment that supports the trucking industry while ensuring public safety and order.   Optimism from the Trucking Community CTAP President Maria Zapata expressed optimism that the executive order's implementation would lead to improved business conditions for truckers and contribute to easing commodity prices. The trucking community's support for these measures reflects a collective desire for a more efficient, fair, and transparent transport sector.   Summary The DILG's decisive action against extortion schemes targeting truckers is a welcome development that promises to enhance the efficiency of the transport sector and the ease of doing business in the Philippines. By fostering a collaborative approach among government agencies, law enforcement, and local governments, the DILG is setting a strong precedent for addressing systemic issues that affect both the economy and the livelihoods of those within the trucking industry.   Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency. Read the full article

[renesf]

MMDA’s Misguided Priorities

In a move that can only be described as visionary, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has decided that what the bustling metropolis truly needs is an MMFF (Metro Manila Film Festival) Auditorium. Because clearly, amidst the chaos of traffic, the symphony of car horns, and the ballet of illegally parked vehicles, what the people of Metro Manila have been yearning for is a…

[charmlozada]

October 17, 2023, Face to face (F2f) classes resume in Cavite including the St. Dominic College of Asia. Schools and universities in different province also return in having their normal class set up. As the strike continues Metro Manila.

On October 16-17, 2023, Several local government units (LGUs) and universities have decided and announced suspensions of face-to-face (F2f) classes and some shifting to online classes due to the to the transport strike planned by The Malayang Alyansa ng Bus Employees at Laborers (MANIBELA). It is estimated around 240,000 participants more likely jeepney drivers are expected coming from Metro Manila, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon in Calabarzon Region, Central Luzon Region. As the given event will continue on Tuesday (Oct 17) at Manila, Mendiola according to their Official Facebook page.

The "Manibela" is a public transport organization known in the Philippines. It has claimed that from March 2022, it has reached a total estimated 50,000 drivers and operators as a member of their organizations. As the group held a protest on Monday, to express its objection to the implementation of the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program and the alleged corrupt practices of transportation officials.

Seeing that this was not the first time when a jeepney phase out declared. Going back, it was in the year 2017 proposed by our former President Rodrigo Duterte. As he presents a modernization program to remove all old PUVs including jeepney. But then it was delayed due to multiple occasions such as strike, pandemic and so on.

During the time of transport strike, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has deployed a free ride for the stranded commuters, a total of 140 vehicles: 33 in Parañaque and 107 in Manila.

[boc-naia]

𝗜𝗡 𝗣𝗛𝗢𝗧𝗢𝗦 | The Bureau of Customs- Ninoy Aquino International Airport (BOC-NAIA), Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Special Events Operations and the International Basketball Federation Basketball World Cup 2023 (FBWC 2023) Local Organizing Committee (LOC) met on July 19 to discuss the readiness of the Philippines to the most awaited FIBA Basketball World Cup 2023 at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

[arun-pratap-singh]

MMDA to establish motorcycle riding academy

  MANILA, Philippines — In an effort to decrease motorcycle accidents, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Monday announced its plan to establish a Motorcycle Riding Academy in Metro Manila to provide necessary training to both beginners and experienced riders. According to MMDA acting chairman Don Artes in a statement, the Motorcycle Riding Academy shall provide motorcycle…

[theskincareaddict]

Earthquake Advisory

Do you live in Metro Manila and nearby provinces?

If so, then you have to pay attention.

In 2015, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) with the other government agencies and non-government organizations released an Earthquake Contingency Plan for the Philippines. 

Source: http://www.pha.org.ph/images/letters/oplan_metro_yakal_plus.pdf

Therein, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) warned that in case of an earthquake in Metro Manila, the West Valley Fault spanning 100 kilometers which passes through Bulacan, Quezon City, Marikina, Pasig, Makati, Taguig, Muntinlupa, Rizal, Cavite and Laguna, may cause a 7.2 magnitude quake or higher.

Should “The Big One” happen, it is estimated that over 30,000 individuals may die and over 100,000 may be injured. The strong ground shaking may also result to the regional separation of Metro Manila to quadrants due to the collapse of buildings and bridges.

To carry out evacuation and rescue operations efficiently, the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) divided Metro Manila into four quadrants. Each quadrant is designated an operation center and staging area which will also serve as evacuation camps.

Further, all athletic fields, sport arenas, memorial parks, churches and gyms that will be designated by the local government units (LGUs) will be used as evacuation centers for Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Pasig River will serve as an alternate route for rescue and relief personnel.

For more information, visit https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph.

Like PHIVOLCS on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PHIVOLCS/

Follow them on Twitter: https://twitter.com/phivolcs_dost

Stay calm. Pray and prepare. Remember to DUCK, COVER & HOLD.

Signing out for now. Peace.

[unbiasedph]

Institutional extortion

We discussed in this space last month our concern over what appears to be a hastily implemented traffic discipline program through the No Contact Apprehension Policy (NCAP) now implemented by five local government units (LGUs) and by the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). Read Full News @ Manila Standard

[brittanycorporationbydavidsarcia]

Must Know: New Number Coding Scheme

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is thinking of expanding the number coding scheme to cover EDSA, Roxas Boulevard, and all other national roads in Metro Manila. There are two options, and here’s everything you need to know:

[carlocarrasco]

Implementation of ban on e-bikes and e-trikes on major roads of Metro Manila to take effect on April 15, 2024

It is finally happening with orderly travel and the safety of many others in mind. In relation to the resolution approved by the Metro Manila Council (MMC), the ban on electric bikes (e-bikes) and electric tricycles (e-trikes) on the major roads of Metro Manila will take effect on April 15, 2024, and there will be deputized traffic enforcers to implement it, according to a Manila Bulletin news…

[luxurylivingbrittany]

Must Know: New Number Coding Scheme

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is thinking of expanding the number coding scheme to cover EDSA, Roxas Boulevard, and all other national roads in Metro Manila. There are two options, and here’s everything you need to know:

[thxnews]

EO 28 Enforced, Illegal Firework Sales Curbed

Commitment to Public Safety

In a significant move to ensure public safety, local government leaders throughout the Philippines are steadfastly encouraged to reinforce the implementation of Executive Order 28. This order, crucial for the welfare of the Filipino community, primarily restricts firecracker use to designated community displays. Quirino Governor and Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines president, Dax Cua, has been vocal in urging his fellow leaders to rigorously apply Executive Order 28, especially as the New Year approaches. This commitment is vital in safeguarding Filipinos from the dangers associated with firecrackers.  

Tackling Illegal Firecracker Sales

In line with these safety measures, there's a growing focus on combating the illegal sale of firecrackers. This initiative resonates with Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos’ nationwide call for a comprehensive ban on firecrackers. The aim is to avert the spike in fireworks-related injuries that traditionally occur during the festive season, particularly during the New Year. Such preventative measures are key to ensuring a safer holiday period for all Filipinos.   Promoting Safer Community Celebrations Governor Cua is championing the idea of safer, community-centric celebrations. He suggests embracing alternative methods for festive noise-making, such as using musical instruments, videoke singing, and other creative means. This innovative approach helps preserve the joyous spirit of the season while placing the utmost importance on health and community well-being.  

PNP's Vigorous Cyber Patrol Operations

The Philippine National Police (PNP) is playing a critical role in ensuring the safety of the community by actively targeting online sellers of illegal firecrackers. Through dedicated cyber patrol operations, the PNP is addressing the potential risks associated with unregulated firecracker sales. This vigilant approach by the PNP is a testament to the government's commitment to maintaining public safety during the holidays.   The Crucial Role of LGUs in Ensuring Firework Safety Interior Secretary Abalos Jr. has emphasized the responsibility of local government units (LGUs) in enforcing ordinances against the use of illegal firecrackers. This enforcement is essential to minimize, and potentially eliminate, injuries during the New Year festivities. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has also played its part by urging LGUs in Metro Manila to designate specific zones for fireworks displays. Such designated areas are expected to provide a safer environment for the public during holiday celebrations.   Overview The collective efforts of local government leaders, the PNP, and the MMDA demonstrate a unified commitment to ensuring a safe and enjoyable New Year celebration for Filipinos. By steadfastly implementing Executive Order 28 and rigorously tackling illegal fireworks sales, these authorities are setting a precedent for a more secure and joyous festive season. Their actions go a long way in preserving the essence of these celebrations while prioritizing the safety and well-being of every Filipino.   Sources: THX News & Philippine News Agency. Read the full article

[renesf]

I Have Two Hands, The Left And The . . .

In the grand circus of bureaucratic absurdity, the left hand of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) seems to have amnesia, forgetting what the right hand is up to.  As a spectacular act of disunity, the MMDA announces work and class suspensions due to a transport strike beginning Monday, only for the Quezon City Government to step in and declare, “No, no, no, no class suspensions…

[tagapagbalita]

MMDA warns of heavier traffic starting this June

Metro Manila motorists should expect heavier traffic starting in June due to the possible resumption of face-to-face classes, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Friday. (GMA News) from GMA News Online / News via IFTTT

[trendingph]

MMDA: No agreement among mayors to extend ECQ in Metro Manila (Philstar.com) - August 14, 2021 - 1:51pm MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority denied Saturday that mayors in the ... https://trendingph.net/mmda-no-agreement-among-mayors-to-extend-ecq-in-metro-manila/?feed_id=331736&_unique_id=6117da2ccf466 #agreement #among #ecq #extend #manila #mayors #metro #mmda #philippinenews #philippinesnews #trendingph