Motorists asked to avoid Gil Puyat Ave, Roxas Blvd during WEF

A flyover on Roxas Blvd. corner Gil Puyat Avenue in Pasay City. PHOTO BY RICK ALBERTO

MANILA, Philippines — As preparations for the upcoming World Economic Forum on East Asia go into full swing, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority is asking motorists to avoid roads leading to the Philippine International Convention Center, one of the venues of the international conference.

At least two heads of state and about 600 business and government leaders from 30 different countries are expected to arrive in Manila next week for the three-day WEF from May 21 to 23.

“My suggestion to our motorists is to avoid the area around PICC on the 22nd, particularly Gil Puyat Avenue and Roxas Boulevard between 4:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. and give way to the delegates,” MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said.

The delegates from the Makati Central Business District would proceed to the PICC during those hours for their dinner, Tolentino said.

Meanwhile, the city government of Pasay has also revved up its preparations, including the deployment of the Pasay Traffic Management Office personnel and the 264 policemen to ensure the 24-hour security in the perimeters of the WEF venues.

The areas of police deployment include the routes the delegates may be taking from the airport upon arrival to the forum venue, departure after forum adjournment as well as destinations for rest and recreation to include SM MOA and Resorts World, both in Pasay.

“We are working doubly hard to ensure that the forum will be secure and peaceful,” said the Pasay police chief, Senior Superintendent Florencio Ortilla said.

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