MMDA to deploy over 1,500 personnel for Sona 2019

MANILA,  Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will deploy over 1,500 of its personnel to assist in the management of traffic and the cleanup of trash at the Batasang Pambansa Complex in Quezon City for President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address on Monday, July 22.

MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia said those to be deployed include traffic management personnel and street cleaners.

“More than 1,500 na empleyado ng MMDA ang naka-standby, kasama na ‘yung enforcers dito, kasama na ‘yung taga-linis namin,” Garcia said in a press conference.

The MMDA will also provide portalets around the area for the use of rallyists that are expected to flock the Batasang Pambansa Complex.

Garcia appealed to the rallyists not to leave their trash at the area after the event.

“Nakiki-usap kami na baka pwede naman ‘wag masyadong magkalat, after the rally linisin yung mga kalat,”

“‘Yung karapatan nila magpahayag, okay yan, pero wala silang karapatang magkalat,” he added.

He also noted that Commonwealth Avenue will remain open until 2 p.m. on Monday, and a zipper lane will be opened to traffic once the number of protesters swells.

“Bukas ‘yung Commonwealth na hanggang 2 pm and then pag dumadami na ‘yung mga ralyista, izizipper lane na natin yung commonwealth, ibig sabihin isasara yng isang lane, yung kabila izizipper lane,” Garcia said.  /muf