MANILA, Philippines — Following successful clearing operations in Baclaran, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority vowed on Tuesday to reclaim more roads and sidewalks before the year ends.
Acting MMDA chairman Thomas Orbos said the agency will conduct clearing operations in the known traffic chokepoints of Balintawak, Cubao, Quiapo, Alabang, Monumento and Divisoria, using Baclaran as a template.
“Everyone thought that clearing and cleaning Baclaran is an insurmountable task but nothing is impossible if we work together to achieve a common goal,” Orbos said.
“We want to continue these operations and to strike while the iron is hot, so to speak, and while we have the momentum on our side,” Orbos said.
The clearing of Metro Manila’s major road networks and inner streets, coupled with various schemes such as the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program, is intended to improve the horrific traffic in the National Capital Region.
The MMDA intensified the clearing operations after the Holy Week break.
Orbos said vendors who sell their wares on sidewalks and the side of roads are major contributors to Metro Manila’s traffic crisis. In Baclaran, for example, of the seven to nine road lanes, only one or two are available to motorists.
But Orbos said there was no resistance from vendors and that they are looking for other options such as relocating them or putting up a night market.