Number coding suspended on Holy Week

The Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP, commonly known as number coding scheme) in the National Capital Region will be lifted in time for the observance of the Holy Week.

MMDA Acting Chairman Atty. Romando Artes said that number coding suspension will be implemented on April 6-10.

In addition, a total of 2,104 MMDA personnel will be deployed on major thoroughfares, transport hubs, and key areas in the metropolis as it activates Oplan Metro Alalay Semana Santa 2023 from April 5-10.

"MMDA traffic personnel will be assigned to roads leading to bus terminals, seaports, airports, and major churches across the metropolis, to guide the commuters taking advantage of the Lenten season and to ensure unimpeded traffic flow," Artes noted.

The agency shall also keep an eye on the entry and exit points to and from Metro Manila such as the North Luzon Expressway, South Luzon Expressway, Coastal Road, McArthur Highway, Marcos Highway, Mindanao Avenue, and A. Bonifacio.

Further, the MMDA will assign traffic enforcers to frequently-visited churches like the Redemptorist Church (Parañaque), Sto. Domingo (Quezon City), San Agustin (Intramuros), and Quiapo (Manila), among others. Help desks will also be put up in select areas in Quezon City, Caloocan, Manila, and Pasay City where bus terminals and other key transportation hubs are located.

Relatedly, the MMDA shall also set up a command center beginning April 3. The multi-agency command center (MACC) — to be placed within the Metrobase — will be manned by representatives from the MMDA, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, Inter-Agency Council for Traffic, Land Transportation Office, Philippine National Police, and local government units.

The office will observe the actual status of major transport hubs, particularly bus terminals in the metropolis, from April 3-6.

According to Artes, the MACC will ensure a more coordinated traffic management response as the inter-agency task force shall monitor the status of key transport hubs and major roads through closed-circuit television cameras (CCTV).

“Through this inter-agency action center, we can monitor real-time updates on bus terminals across Metro Manila to ensure safer travel of the commuting public and orderly traffic flow in our roads as we observe the Holy Week,” he explained.

An inter-agency terminal inspection is also set to be conducted days before the Holy Week.

Aside from that, the MMDA shared that ambulances and tow trucks will be strategically-positioned along key areas in the National Capital Region. The agency, together with local government units are also preparing for any eventualities in case there will be stranded passengers. 

Photos from Ruben Manahan IV, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority

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