Two weeks ahead of the EDSA major repair works, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority has intensified road clearing and pedestrian safety operations across Metro Manila to remove roadblocks, notably along alternate routes known as Mabuhay Lane, an MMDA official said on Thursday.
Gabriel Go, the head of the MMDA Special Operations Group Strike Force, said that the agency is committed to ensuring public safety and mobility as it removes obstructions and illegal parking all over Metro Manila in anticipation of the EDSA roadworks from June 13.
“So, itong ating clearing operation drive, this is not only because we have an upcoming rebuild ng ating major thoroughfare, which is the EDSA, but is also part of our efforts to cleanup ang ating mga kalsada,” Go said at a Malacañang press briefing
“All our clearing efforts, lahat po iyan – hindi lang po double time, but we are also tripling up our efforts,” he added.
Go said the MMDA has coordinated with local government units, barangay officials, and civil society groups to assist in clearing operations and to inform the public through various platforms.
While EDSA remains the focus, the MMDA is also clearing obstructions across Metro Manila, including sidewalk vendors, illegal structures, and chokepoints along alternate routes.
“We are also trying to make …ating mga ruta, ating mga kalsada, mga sidewalks po natin walkable,” Go said.
Go said MMDA also reassured emergency responders and volunteer groups that their routes will remain open and protected during the clearing drive.
“Rest assured po sa ating mga partners, sa mga volunteer groups, emergency responders, kaagapay ninyo po kami – we are all partners when it comes to disaster and emergency responses,” he said.
With the phased rehabilitation of EDSA underway, the MMDA has released an updated list of alternate routes, known as Mabuhay Lanes, on its official website and social media platforms.
These roads will be kept free of obstructions to ensure smooth flow of traffic for commuters traveling north to south and east to west across Metro Manila.
The MMDA urged all road users, business owners, and pedestrians to comply with clearing regulations, refrain from illegal parking, and respect designated pedestrian zones.
The public is encouraged to report road obstructions through MMDA hotlines or official social media channels. | PND
