MMDA uses new system to monitor Nazarene procession

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday made use of its new system, equipped with high-definition closed-circuit television cameras, to monitor the Black Nazarene procession in Quiapo, Manila.

Tina Velasco, MMDA assistant general manager, told reporters that the agency’s Metrobase was augmented by cameras specially installed for the procession in front of the Quiapo Church along Quezon Boulevard.

“We set up a satellite office there so that we can react on the spot real-time. It would take some time for us to react from here (Metrobase in Makati City),” she said.

Velasco said there were no major incidents reported to the Metrobase from Quiapo.

As of 3 p.m. yesterday, MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said 309 persons who participated in the procession were treated for minor injuries.

The MMDA said its new Metrobase was opened for operation on Wednesday. It is equipped with a cutting-edge traffic signalization system (TSS), which is an improvement over the old traffic management network.

The MMDA said the TSS is capable of managing traffic signals at 85 key intersections in Metro Manila. The MMDA said the first phase of the TSS cost P296 million.

In addition, the Metrobase can also monitor road activities using video feeds from 25 high-definition cameras installed in 25 key locations in the metropolis.

The project is a partnership between the MMDA and the defense and information technology firm Indra Sistemas of Spain in consortium with the Meralco Industrial Engineering Services Corp.

“In the future, this system will be able to manage up to 500 intersections. TSS intends to upgrade, automate and optimize the management and traffic engineering installations around Metro Manila,” Tolentino said.

He added that the new intelligent real-time control would help improve the safety of pedestrians, commuters and vehicles through well-coordinated signal routes, resulting in faster travel time and reduced traffic congestion.