Road closures set in Manila for Independence Day rites

MANILA, Philippines — Some roads in Manila would be closed to give way to the celebration of the 126th anniversary of Philippine independence on June 12, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced yesterday.

Portions of Roxas Boulevard and T.M. Kalaw Avenue would be off-limits to vehicular traffic from 6 a.m. to 10 a.m., the MMDA said in an advisory.

Parts of Roxas Boulevard, T.M. Kalaw Avenue, Padre Burgos Avenue and Bonifacio Drive, as well as adjacent roads within Rizal Park and Quirino Grandstand, would be closed from 1 p.m. to 10 p.m., the MMDA added.

Drivers of public and private vehicles going north and coming from Roxas Boulevard should turn right on Quirino or UN Avenue, then left on Taft Avenue, according to the MMDA.

Private motorists coming from Road 10 and going to Anda Circle should turn left on Soriano Avenue, right on Solana street, left on Muralla street, straight on Magallanes Drive, then right on Padre Burgos Avenue.

Meanwhile, truck drivers should use the South Luzon Expressway, Osmeña Highway, Quirino Avenue, Nagtahan street, Lacson Avenue, Yuseco street, Capulong street and Road 10, the MMDA said.

On the other hand, acting MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said the agency would deploy 1,156 field personnel, as well as assets such as ambulances, military trucks, dump trucks and tow trucks to manage traffic and ensure convenience among road users during the Independence Day celebrations.