Makati lifts number coding on April 1, 2, 3, 9

MANILA, Philippines - The Makati City government announced that the “number coding” scheme would be suspended today (Holy Wednesday), Maundy Thursday, Good Friday in observance of Lent and on April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan) which is a public holiday.

The number coding scheme is suspended on weekends and during public holidays. When the number coding scheme is enforced, affected vehicles may make use of the “window hours” from 10 am to 3 pm. There are however no window hours in the cities of Makati and Las Pinas.

It would be recalled that the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) had earlier announced that the number coding is to be suspended today (Holy Wednesday), Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and on April 9 (Araw ng Kagitingan).

Meanwhile the Makati City government also advises motorists that starting at 10 pm. today (Holy Wednesday) until 5 pm of April 5 (Easter Sunday), the stretch of J.P. Rizal Street from Reposo St. to Makati Avenue will be open to two-way traffic.

Also during this period, the two lanes in the following streets will be closed to traffic: Cardona (from Osmeña to J.P. Rizal), Angono (from Osmeña to J.P. Rizal), F. Zobel (from Osmeña to J.P. Rizal) and Hormiga (from Angono to Antipolo). 

The one-way streets that will be closed from April 1 to 5 are Buencamino (two lanes), Ma. Aurora (two lanes) and Zenaida (two lanes).

Meanwhile some streets in Barangay Poblacion will be closed to traffic in connection with the traditional processions today, Holy Wednesday (April 1) and on Good Friday (April 3). Some streets in the barangay will also be closed on Black Saturday (April 4) for the “Salubong” preparations and on Easter Sunday (April 5) for the traditional Easter Sunday parade.

Motorists are advised that the rerouting will take effect from today (April 1) to April 5 starting from 5 pm onwards (until events are finished).

Motorists are advised that all vehicles travelling along J.P. Rizal/Estrella coming from Guadalupe and going to Manila are to turn left to Estrella and proceed straight to EDSA to their destinations.

(Along Kalayaan Avenue/Makati Avenue) – all vehicles coming from Manila and going to Guadalupe taking Kalayaan Avenue, turn right to Makati Avenue, turn left to Buendia, and proceed straight ahead to EDSA.

(Along Valdez St./Makati Avenue) – all vehicles coming from Manila bound for Guadalupe taking Valdez St., turn right to Makati Avenue, turn left to Buendia, and proceed straight ahead to EDSA.

Other streets may be closed to vehicles during the actual holding of the procession. Deputized traffic enforcers will be deployed in the affected areas to assist the motorists and the public.

For the duration of the Holy Week, traditional religious practices and activities will be held in several areas in Barangay Poblacion. Some 20 “kubols” or “kalbaryos” (religious tableaus) featuring scenes from the Passion and crucifixion of Jesus Christ have been installed in the streets of the barangay.

The “kubols” are traditionally assembled in Poblacion communities by families and associations, where antique images of the Holy Family and saints owned by prominent families of the city are displayed. Residents gather here for the traditional “Pabasa”, or the singing of the Passion of Jesus Christ.

Meanwhile, the MMDA has deployed some 2,300 traffic and emergency response personnel in various exit and entrance points of Metro Manila to assist travellers trekking to the various provinces for the Holy Week break.

According to Cris Saruca, MMDA Traffic Discipline Office head, the agency has deployed 1,627 traffic enforcers and 300 from the agency’s sidewalk clearing group.

The MMDA, added Saruca, will also be posting personnel at the various Metro churches, seaports, airports and bus terminals.