MANILA: With the Undas holiday break approaching, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has advised the public to leave early for their trips to manage the expected heavy traffic at transport hubs. The recommendation comes in light of All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day celebrations on November 1 and 2.
According to a new release by Philippines News Agency, Director for Traffic Enforcement Group Victor Nuñez has urged travelers to reach provincial bus terminals, ports, and airports at least three to four hours before their scheduled trips. Nuñez conveyed this message during a weekly forum at Dapo Restaurant in Quezon City. He cited that traffic congestion has already been witnessed at North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), and Skyway as of Friday.
The MMDA is actively employing traffic management measures to alleviate anticipated traffic issues during the holidays. Approximately 1,448 traffic enforcers and other personnel from the Metro Parkways Clearing Group have been deployed to five major cemeteries in Metro Manila. The MMDA's Road Emergency Group has also been positioned in key thoroughfares to manage the flow of traffic. Nuñez stated that the measures aim to ensure that terminals are orderly and travelers are safe during the holiday period.
Further compounding the expected traffic is the influx of private vehicles, as many individuals choose to travel back to their home provinces. Nuñez noted that many private motorists had left Metro Manila as early as Friday afternoon, contributing to the already congested expressways.
October 30, November 1, and November 2 have been declared holidays in connection with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSKE) elections and the Undas observance. Additionally, Malacañang issued Memorandum Circular 38 on Friday, allowing a work-from-home arrangement for government employees and asynchronous classes for public schools on October 31.