MMDA launches traffic report app for INC centennial

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has launched a mobile application to provide motorists up-to-date traffic reports on roads leading to and from the Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) centennial celebration in Bocaue, Bulacan on July 27.

Dubbed as the "INC Sentenaryo App”, the Android app contains useful information such as traffic updates, emergency assistance hotlines and roadmaps to guide motorists and commuters on what routes to take and avoid the expected traffic congestion around the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, the venue of the INC’s 100th year anniversary celebration.

“This handy app is particularly helpful in providing latest traffic situational reports along NLEX (North Luzon Expressway) and all roads leading to and adjacent to the INC gathering,” MMDA Chair and Task Force Sentenaryo head Francis Tolentino said.

The “INC Sentenaryo App” also covers the areas of Bocaue, Plaridel, Sta. Maria and Calumpit in Bulacan and major roads in Metro Manila like Edsa, Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon Avenue, España, C5, Ortigas, Marcos Highway, Roxas Boulevard, and South Luzon Expressway (SLEX).

Tolentino said the traffic app also contains up-to-date important announcements and advisories from Task Force Sentenaryo member-agencies, police, vehicular accidents and road closures that may worsen traffic jams leading to the INC gathering.

"With this mobile app, travelers can now easily plan their trips and choose which streets to take and avoid, thus, saving precious time and avoiding unnecessary inconvenience,” Tolentino added.

Task Force Sentenaryo, a high-level task force formed by President Aquino, announced that all the necessary traffic and security measures have been finalized to ensure the peaceful and orderly commemoration of the INC anniversary, which is expected to be attended by up to 3 million INC members.

Tolentino said they expect INC members to arrive at the newly inaugurated Philippine Arena in Bocaue, the venue of the anniversary, a day before the event in at least 10,000 buses, 2,400 vans and Asian Utility Vehicles, and private vehicles.

The following areas have been designated as parking areas: Sta. Maria bypass; and Balagtas bypass along MacArthur Highway from Monumento to Calumpit, Bulacan. A portion of the Mindanao Avenue Extension will also be closed for parking purposes.

MMDA, for its part, has formed the 2,000-strong Metro Manila Public Safety Legion that will be deployed in Bocaue to maintain peace and order implement a comprehensive traffic management plan during the event and do a post-activity cleanup at the site.

The legion is composed of traffic constables, rescuers, policemen, and street sweepers coming from the 17 local government units in Metro Manila.

Two MMDA headquarters had been set up in Marilao, Bulacan to respond to any type of emergencies, said Tolentino.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), through the Northern Luzon Command, meanwhile, will send additional military personnel and equipment together with the Joint Task Force headed by General Manuel Gonzales.