MMDA unveils high-tech Metrobase today

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will be unveiling its high-technology Metrobase at its Makati headquarters today.

President Aquino is expected to attend the inauguration scheduled at 2 p.m.

According to the MMDA, the new Metrobase will be equipped with a cutting-edge traffic signalization system (TSS).

The TSS is capable of managing traffic signals at 85 key intersections in the metropolis, the MMDA said.

The Metrobase can also monitor road activities using video feeds from 25 high definition cameras installed in 25 key locations in Metro Manila.

Earlier, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said a bulk of its P2.65-billion budget for 2014 would be used for the installation of 161 traffic signal lights and systems in the metropolis as well as for the purchase of flood control equipment.

Tolentino said Metro Manila has a total of 421 traffic signal lights and many of them will have to be replaced as part of a traffic master plan.

He said that when it rains, some of the traffic lights malfunction and cause traffic jams. Some of the traffic lights were put up in 1976, the MMDA chief said.

He said the replacement of the traffic lights will cost P399 million.

Tolentino said that some of the new traffic lights, especially those at strategic intersections, will use light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and be fitted with closed-circuit television cameras before they are hooked up to a monitoring center at the MMDA’s headquarters.