Metro Briefs: Sept. 15, 2018
MMDA deploys 700 personnel for typhoon response
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has ordered the deployment of around 700 men across the National Capital Region in preparation for Typhoon “Ompong” (international name: “Mangkhut”) which was expected to hit this weekend.
On Friday, MMDA placed Metro Manila under blue alert status—the second highest alert level raised in anticipation of heavy, hourslong downpour.
This means that 60 percent of all MMDA disaster risk reduction and management personnel have been mobilized “to monitor the possible effects of the current weather system and ensure prompt coordination with concerned agencies and offices,” said MMDA chair Danilo Lim.
All 17 local government units have been ordered to mobilize their own responders.
Emergency stations were also set up across strategic choke points along Edsa: Ortigas, Timog Avenue, C5-Libis, Commonwealth in Quezon City; Orense (MMDA headquarters) in Makati City; and Nagtahan and Roxas Boulevard in Manila.
The MMDA is also keeping a close eye on flood-prone and low-lying areas, particularly in Marikina, Pasig, Navotas, Malabon and Rizal. —Krixia Subingsubing
New one-way traffic scheme at BGC begins on Monday
Bonifacio Global City (BGC) will start implementing its new one-way scheme in key roads along its city center to help improve traffic flow and lessen traffic congestion.
Additional marshals and on ground signages will be deployed to guide motorists of the change in traffic flow.
BGC also teamed up with navigation app, Waze for traffic rerouting. As part of the BGC master plan, the one-way scheme is intended to address the large volume of vehicles that go and pass through BGC.
BGC will also continue its existing wheel clamping and towing operations to keep major streets free of obstructions.
“We are hoping to make the transition to the new one-way scheme as smooth as possible. In the past few weeks, BGC has really stepped up its information drive to let motorists know of the changes being implemented,” said Bonifacio Estate Services Corp. general manager Jun Galvez.
