MMDA: No traffic jams as schools open

MANILA, Philippines - There were no reported traffic jams on Monday as public schools in Metro Manila opened for another school year, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported.

MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations Emerson Carlos said the agency was prepared with the deployment of 1,600 traffic constables at the vicinity of various school zones in the Metro to direct vehicular traffic. The MMDA said they expect traffic to get thick next week with the opening of private schools.

"So far hindi gaano kabigat yung traffic dahil yung mga nagsipasok na estudyante is from public school so we expect natin by after two weeks bibigat yan dahil kasabay na yung mga students from private school and some college and universities," Carlos said.

Carlos said the MMDA would be deploying additional personnel for next week’s opening of private schools.

He said there will be additional traffic enforcers, street sweepers and road clearing crews.

Carlos added that the MMDA will also step-up its anti-jaywalking operations to keep students safe in the streets.