Clearing obstacles
Road clearing operations by the MMDA and the PNP-HPG have begun, paying particular attention to the "Mabuhay or Christmas Lanes" and the APEC lanes for next week's summit. "Mabuhay or Christmas Lanes" are supposed to be fast lanes to accommodate the holiday traffic that is often unbearable. Street vendors have always been the headache of motorists. What should be two to three lanes roads are reduced to a single lane because of the encroachment of these vendors. Another problem are cars that have been left on the road, either abandoned or parked by owners with no garages. Then there those that have turned the streets into their own repair shops. All these obstacles are being cleared by the agencies mentioned, although some vendors have packed up on their own to prevent their goods from being damaged or confiscated. But the authorities would do well to monitor known areas where vendors sell, as most usually return when "the heat is off." The usual game of cat and mouse almost begins as early as the next day after clearing operations.
The MMDA is also getting ready for this year's APEC summit which will be held in the country after nineteen years. President Fidel Ramos was the country's leader when the summit was held back in 1996, in Subic. Now that it is being held in Metro Manila, special problems and concerns are being addressed. Such as implementing APEC lanes along EDSA and Roxas Blvd. A lane from both thoroughfares will be dedicated to vehicles being used by APEC delegates. Indeed, leaders of rich, powerful and influential countries will be here, such as President Barack Obama of the US, President Vladimir Putin of Russia and even Chinese President Xi Jinping. Amid the tensions between the Philippines and China, President Xi Jinping will attend. According to Sec. Rene Almendras, the issue of the Spratlys will not be discussed. The summit will be all about business. The Chinese leader has also been assured of Filipino hospitality. As it should be.
It will be an opportune time to showcase the country as a good place to invest. The country has enjoyed upgrades from the international business community in the past five years. But there is still a lot of room for improvement. And leaders will get to see first hand what traffic is in the capital. Even with APEC lanes, I am certain traffic will still be experienced, if not witnessed. Obstacles must be cleared, literally and figuratively.
Security is also of utmost concern by the government. Securing the leaders of the free world is a monumental task, and should be taken seriously. There are still several protests ongoing, which will be joined by others once the summit begins. With classes and office work suspended on a couple of days during the summit, it is hoped that everything will run smoothly and trouble-free.
As it should be.
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