MMDA closes Roxas Blvd to traffic for Asean anniv grand parade


 

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will close to traffic Roxas Boulevard and impose a truck ban on Aug. 8, or Tuesday next week, for the celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean).

In its tweet posted Tuesday, MMDA said it will close to traffic Roxas Boulevard southbound from P. Burgos to Buendia starting 2 p.m. up to 9 p.m. on Aug. 8 and urged motorists to take alternate routes.

Only delegates and foreign ministers who are in the country for the Asean meetings, as well as Sofitel guests, may pass through, the MMDA said.

The MMDA will also impose a total truck ban on Aug. 8 along Roxas Boulevard from Buendia Avenue to P. Burgos for the Asean ministers’ meetings.

READ: Palace lines up PH activities for Asean celebrations 

The affected trucks are advised to right turn to Edsa, and left turn to South Super Highway to the Port Area.

The MMDA will close Roxas Boulevard to traffic on Aug. 8, when the country is set to host the commemoration of the Asean 50th anniversary. The Philippines is the chair for this year’s Asean summit.

The Aug. 8 grand parade and a landmark lighting of the Asean lantern will cap the weeklong foreign ministers’ meeting that will start on Aug. 2.

READ: US Secretary of State Tillerson leads diplomats attending Asean forum

The grand parade will start at 3 p.m. with a blowing of the horn in Manila Bay and other select ports.

The Asean lantern, crafted in Pampanga and designed with vintas and sampaguita, will be lighted at the Cultural Center of the Philippines (CCP) complex where cultural performances and fireworks display will be held.

The grand parade from Luneta Park to the CCP complex will be open to the public.

In the morning on Aug. 8, the  Asean foreign ministers and other delegates will attend a grand celebration of the Asean’s 50th anniversary at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

President Rodrigo Duterte is expected to deliver the keynote message at the PICC event, which will be graced with video messages of the Asean leaders, tribute to the Asean founding fathers, and a recognition of the Asean special awardees.

READ: Fight vs terror, violence high on Asean ministers’ agenda

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