MANILA, Philippines – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Friday called on the public to cooperate with all the traffic schemes to be implemented for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games which will be held from Nov. 30 to Dec. 11 in various parts of Luzon, including Metro Manila.
Among the traffic schemes that the MMDA will enforce for SEA Games will be the traffic-and-go scheme along EDSA and other major thoroughfares in Metro Manila, billeting hotels, sporting venues and other areas of game engagements to allow convoys of delegates, sports officials, athletes, spectators and other guests to pass through.
In a statement, MMDA chairman Danilo Lim asked for the public’s cooperation to give way to the convoys.
“We are on track with our traffic preparations. We ask for motorists’ and commuters’ cooperation in giving way to the convoys of the athletes and delegates participating in the event our country is hosting,” Lim said.
The agency also earlier announced that no dedicated lanes will be assigned for the SEA Games delegates.
Convoy carrying delegates will use the yellow lane, flyover and underpasses while traveling along EDSA.
“Occasional traffic disruption and temporary stops are expected on roads and intersections where convoys would pass,” Lim said.
The MMDA said it will deploy 2,000 traffic personnel in key areas in the metropolis to help manage traffic flow with 122 to be deployed every 100 meters along EDSA.
“A no-day off, no absent policy will be enforced among assigned traffic enforcers from November 30 to December 11,” said Lim.
Days before the event, the MMDA said that arriving delegates will travel from the airport in Pasay City to their billeting hotels in cities of Manila, Pasig, Makati, Pasay, Mandaluyong and Quezon City in Metro Manila areas in Central and Southern Luzon; and from the airport to the regional venues in Clark, Subic, and Southern Luzon.
The SEA Games opening ceremonies will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan on November 30, Saturday.
On this day, delegates are expected to travel from Metro Manila to Philippine Arena in the afternoon. Point-to-point buses have been designated to transport spectators and guests to the Philippine arena to avoid traffic congestion.
The MMDA and Manila District Traffic Enforcement Unit said the following roads will be closed from 12:01 am on Nov. 30 to Dec. 11.
• Along Adriatico – from Pres Quirino to P. Ocampo (both bound directions)
• Along P. Ocampo – from Taft Ave. to Adriatico (westbound direction only)
Authorities advised motorists to use the following alternate routes:
• All vehicles coming from Taft Ave going westbound lane of Pres. Quirino intending to left turn Adriatico St. shall go straight to Roxas Blvd or Mabini St. to point of destination.
• All vehicles coming from Taft Ave intended to use westbound lane of P. Ocampo shall use Menlo St. then Donada to destination.
• All vehicles coming from Roxas or FB Harrison utilizing eastbound lane of P. Ocampo intending to utilize Adriatico St. shall go straight to Taft Ave to point of destination.
• All vehicles coming from Roxas or FB Harrison utilizing eastbound lane of Pres. Quirino intending to utilize Adriatico St. shall go straight to Taft Ave to point of destination.
The MMDA also advised the public to expect delays on roads toward the sports and non-sports venues within Metro Manila: Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Cuneta Astrodome, SM Mall of Asia Arena, SM MOA Skating Rink, World Trade Center, Philippine International Convention Center Forum, SM Megamall, Filoil Flying V Centre, Filinvest City, University of the Philippines (UP) Diliman Gym, Marine Corps, Muntinlupa Sports Complex, Starmall EDSA, Makati Coliseum, Manila Hotel tent, SM Megamall Ice Rink, World Trade Center, Philsports Arena, Amoranto Sports Complex, and Manila Polo Club.
The closing ceremonies of SEA Games will be held at the Athletics Stadium at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac.
