MMDA sets exclusion zones, traffic schemes around ASEAN Summit venue
Traffic flows along Roxas Boulevard in Manila after road closures near the perimeter of the recently concluded 31st ASEAN Summit were lifted on Wednesday. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News MANILA — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is implementing strict security and traffic management measures to ensure smooth traffic flow during the upcoming ASEAN Summit.
MMDA Director of the Manila Traffic Enforcement Group Vic Nunez said security exclusion zones have been established around the Philippine International Convention Center, the summit’s main venue, from November 9 to 15.
Only authorized personnel and vehicles with ASEAN stickers can enter these zones.
“Not even government vehicles — kung wala kayong ASEAN sticker, hindi po kayo basta pwede pumasok dun sa PICC complex,” Nuñez said.
(Even government vehicles — if they don’t have an ASEAN sticker, they cannot just enter the PICC complex.)
Nuñez also said stop-and-go traffic schemes will be implemented along roads near the PICC.
He said that would be implemented only when visiting heads of state enter or exit the complex.
“Naka-convoy po sila so mabilis dadaan ‘yan so pagpatigil po sa mga motorista during that time eh mabilis lang din po,” he said.
(They will be moving quickly in convoys, so motorists will not have to wait long.)
The MMDA will also implement truck route restrictions from November 15 to 18 to keep heavy vehicles away from Roxas Boulevard.
Motorists will be advised to take alternative routes to avoid traffic congestion in areas affected by summit-related road closures and restrictions.
The agency will also suspend the number coding scheme from November 16 to 18, in line with the special non-working holidays declared for the ASEAN Summit.
From November 13 to 19, the MMDA will deploy a total of 2,637 personnel to manage traffic and ensure road safety during the summit.
Road works along EDSA are also being expedited in preparation for the international gathering.