The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has thrown its support behind the three-day school week proposal of the Department of Education (DepEd) which it hopes to implement in some public schools.
“Even if DepEd’s plan of having a three-day school week is not [meant] to address the heavy traffic in the metropolis but [to] decongest classrooms, it will still complement our proposal [for] a four-day school week,” MMDA Chair Francis Tolentino said in an interview.
Earlier, the DepEd pitched the idea of a three-day school week for schools experiencing a classroom shortage, particularly in Caloocan City. The proposal, however, has been put on hold until the department determines the actual number of enrollees this school year.
The MMDA’s proposal, on the other hand, was aimed at reducing traffic buildup following the implementation of five major government infrastructure projects at the same time.
Last Friday, the Department of Public Works and Highways started the rehabilitation of the 39-year-old Magallanes Interchange.
Also underway are the Skyway Stage 3 Project on Osmeña Highway, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway Phase 2, the rehabilitation of Dario Bridge in Quezon City and a flood-control project on España Boulevard in Manila.
“If students will not go to school at the same time, there will be fewer vehicles carrying students,” Tolentino said.
MMDA officials, nonetheless, anticipate the volume of traffic to remain normal this month until the opening of all schools and universities in Metro Manila in the next two months.
Emerson Carlos, MMDA assistant general manager, said the agency would deploy 1,600 of its personnel to man traffic zones, repaint pedestrian lanes and signs, enforce antijaywalking and antismoking policies, clear sidewalks and remove road obstructions near schools.