Parañaque starts rerouting scheme

MANILA, Philippines - The Parañaque City government started rerouting traffic in the Baclaran church area yesterday, months after it was delayed.

Under the new scheme, northbound public utility jeepney (PUJ) drivers from Quirino Avenue are required to turn left on Airport Road and then right on the Roxas Boulevard Service Road.

From there, PUJ drivers can turn right on Redemptorist Road then make another right on Quirino Avenue southbound toward Tambo.

Jeepneys “are prohibited from parking along the designated route” the city government said in a statement.

Northbound private motorists going to Baclaran church are advised to make a U-turn at the intersection of Roxas Boulevard and Airport Road, then turn right on Redemptorist Road and park within the church grounds or go left on the Roxas Boulevard Service Road.

City public information officer Lloyd Palconan said the traffic scheme was supposed to take effect last Tuesday but was deferred anew by the Traffic Management Office until yesterday.

The rerouting, aimed at addressing the traffic problem in the Baclaran area, particularly on Wednesdays when devotees flock to attend novenas at the Baclaran church, also known as the National Shrine of Our Mother of Perpetual Help.

Palconan said Mayor Florencio Bernabe had to consult all stakeholders – the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, public transport operators, and Baclaran vendor groups – to ensure the smooth implementation of the rerouting project.