Coming soon: Traffic school for MMDA

The Metro Mayors Council (MMC) has approved a proposal by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) to create the country’s first ever traffic academy intended to boost the credibility of enforcers and reduce conflicts with motorists.

MMDA Undersecretary Cesar Lacuna said the MMC agreed on the proposed formation of a traffic school last week. This is the first school dedicated to teaching traffic enforcement.

The first batch of enrollees would come from the existing force of 2,000 MMDA traffic enforcers.

"This was created to professionalize our enforcers. So when you see a traffic enforcer in the street, people would say that he is a man of authority," said Lacuna. In the next few years, the MMDA would only hire enforcers who are graduates of the academy.

Enforcers, he said, are often belittled by motorists that are flagged down for committing a violation. They are criticized for engaging in long debates with motorists over the interpretation and implementation of traffic regulations.

There have been instances when bus drivers intentionally nudge enforcers with their vehicles to force them out of their road.

"Itong pagbabastos na ito is often done during rush hour," Lacuna said.

The MMDA has envisioned a traffic academy to primarily cater to their own enforcers, but said it would soon branch out nationwide. Traffic officials from key cities and provinces outside Metro Manila would also be invited to attend the school.

However, Lacuna admitted that organizing a school is not an easy task.

"The earliest time we can probably start the Traffic Academy is next year. We also have to coordinate with the Commission on Higher Education (CHED)."

The MMDA official added they have not yet completed the details for the proposed academy, but they plan to offer a two-year course for traffic.

They also have yet to identify the location of the school.

"We still have to look for a site, but if they cannot find a suitable location we might just have to convert one floor of the MMDA building into a classroom," he added.