Philippine Independence Day celebration: Road closures set in Manila

FILE PHOTO: The Philippine flag is hoisted over Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan on June 12, 2023, to mark the 125th Philippine Independence Day and honor government soldiers who patrol over the country’s “stronghold” on the western seaboard. (PHOTO BY GERALDFORD TICKE)

MANILA, Philippines — Temporary road closures will be implemented in Manila on Wednesday, June 12, as activities are set to take place at Rizal Park in celebration of the 126th Philippine Independence Day.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said in an advisory Saturday that government agencies and non-government organizations would hold the activities at the Rizal Park Burnham Green, which is right across Quirino Grandstand, starting June 10.

It noted that adjacent roads within Rizal Park and Quirino Grandstand will be utilized for the occasion.

MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes said 1,156 personnel will be deployed to the area to assist with the traffic situation, as ambulances, military trucks, dump trucks, tow trucks, and other resources will also be dispatched.

The activities in celebration of the 126th Philippine Independence Day will run until June 12.

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Below is the list of roads that will be closed on June 12, according to the MMDA:

From 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Roxas Boulevard – both bounds from T.M. Kalaw to P. Burgos
T.M. Kalaw – from Ma. Orosa to Roxas Boulevard westbound

From 1 p.m. to 10 p.m.

Roxas Boulevard – from United Nations Avenue to P. Burgos Avenue (both bounds)
T.M. Kalaw – both Sides from Roxas Boulevard to Taft Avenue
P. Burgos Avenue – both sides and Finance Road
Bonifacio Drive – from Anda Circle to P. Burgos Avenue

The MMDA said motorists may take the following alternate routes during the duration of the closure:

For public utility vehicles and private vehicles going north

From Roxas Boulevard, right turn to Quirino Avenue or United Nations Avenue, then left turn to Taft Avenue to your destination

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For private vehicles

From R-10 going to Anda Circle, turn left onto Soriano Avenue, turn right onto Solana Street, turn left onto Muralla Street, then go straight to Magallanes Drive, turn right onto P. Burgos Avenue to destination

For trucks going northbound and southbound

South Luzon Expressway, Osmeña Highway, Quirino Avenue, Nagtahan Street, Lacson Avenue, Yuseco Street, Capulong Street, R-10 Road, to destination

“Actual closing and opening of affected roads will be based on the actual traffic situation,” according to the MMDA.