MMDA relaunches “adopt a footbridge” program

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) relaunched on Friday its “adopt a footbridge” program in a bid to encourage private sector participation in the maintenance of footbridges located on major thoroughfares across the metro.

MMDA chairman relaunched the program at the footbridge that connects the UP Diliman campus and the UP-Ayala Land Technohub across Commonwealth Avenue in Diliman, Quezon City.

According to MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino, at least 2,000 students and Technohub patrons use the footbridge every day in crossing Commonwealth Avenue which has been tagged as the “most dangerous highway” in Metro Manila for its recorded road accidents.

“Ang tambalang ito with the private sector ay magiging hudyat ng marami pang footbridges na ilulunsad na ganito rin ang itsura at ganito rin ang amenities,” said Tolentino.

According to Tolentino, “adopted” footbridges will have a roof, its own toilet and will be equipped with closed circuit television cameras (CCTVs) which will be linked directly with the MMDA’s Metrobase monitoring center at the agency’s headquarters in Orense, Makati.

The “adopt a footbridge program” was originally launched two years ago by the MMDA.

The program, the MMDA said, aims to improve the condition of footbridges in Metro Manila through partnership with the private sector.

Tolentino said the program will be greatly beneficial to pedestrians and most importantly, will be done at no cost to the government. 

“The beauty in this adopt a footbridge program is that we will now be able to repair and rehabilitate our pedestrian footbridges at no expense, since this is a government-private sector partnership. And more than the savings, pedestrians using the footbridges will now be safer and more comfortable,” Tolentino said.

The program was originally launched on July 4, 2013 at the Eastwood footbridge in Quezon City. The footbridge crosses the C5 Road in Libis.

The Eastwood footbridge was “adopted” by the AMSI Builders and Illuminate Dynamic Media, Inc. (IDMI).

Under an agreement with the MMDA, AMSI Builders and IDMI will finance the repair, rehabilitation and improvement of the footbridge.

According to the MMDA, part of the improvement of the footbridges is the construction of covered walkways to protect pedestrians from extreme heat and rain. Ornamental plants will also be placed along the bridge span to reduce air pollution.

Proper lighting will also be installed, along with CCTV cameras and 24-hour roving security personnel.

Aside from toilets and urinals, there will also be provisions for persons with disabilities (PWDs) at these footbridges, Tolentino said.

“With all these amenities, using the pedestrian footbridges will be a more pleasant commuter experience,” he said.