MANILA, Philippines — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and its partners have developed a framework aimed at reducing road crash fatalities in the National Capital Region by 35 percent by 2028.
The framework, called Metro Manila Road Safety Action Plan (MMRSAP) 2024-2028, was formed after a three-day stakeholders’ meeting which was part of the celebration of Philippine Road Safety Month, the MMDA said in a statement on Tuesday.
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It is also a component of Project 6: Traffic Safety and Education under the 5-Year Action Plan of the Comprehensive Traffic Management Plan for Metro Manila, funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency.
According to the agency’s Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS), there were about 92,583 road crashes recorded annually from 2013 to 2022, with an average of 410 deaths each year.
Fifty-one percent of these fatalities were drivers, 36 percent were pedestrians, and 13 percent were passengers.
This prompted the MMDA and other various agencies to establish the MMRSAP 2024-2028, which focuses on the five pillars of road safety: road safety management, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer road users, and post-crash response.
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“Inspired by our discussions and dialogue, we are poised to forge ahead in crafting a comprehensive action plan that will pave the way for safer and more efficient road systems in Metro Manila. Together, we have the power to effect positive change and create a safer environment for motorists, pedestrians, and commuters alike,” said MMDA Assistant General Manager for Planning OIC Atty. Victor Pablo Trinidad in his speech, as quoted in the statement.
Meanwhile, World Health Organization Representative to the Philippines Dr. Rui Paulo de Jesus stressed that road safety is a shared responsibility that requires multisectoral actions from concerned agencies.
“The Road Safety Action Plan for Metro Manila 2024-2028 that is being developed will provide a blueprint for evidence-based interventions to save lives and prevent serious injuries from road crashes in Metro Manila,” he said.
Also present at the meeting were representatives from Metro Manila’s local government units, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Department of Health, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, the Land Transportation Office, the Philippine National Police-National Capital Region Police Office, the Philippine National Police-Highway Patrol Group, and the University of the Philippines-National Center for Transportation Studies.