MMDA, LGUs team up to ease traffic near Naia

Traffic near NAIA.  Marianne Bermudez

MANILA, Philippines–The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) and officials of Parañaque and Pasay cities have agreed to team up and clear roads leading to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia).

The mere presence of enforcers, according to Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Jose Angel Honrado, could solve traffic congestion.

In a meeting last week with representatives of the MMDA and local government units, Honrado and the Miaa security council presented a strategy calling for the deployment of a sufficient number of traffic enforcers in the vicinity of the airport.

Honrado set the meeting last Tuesday to address the problem which has worsened due to the Naia expressway project, resulting in passengers worrying about missing their flights.

“[The] Miaa might not be able to hasten the construction of the expressway which is slated for completion two years from now. However, together with agencies concerned, we can ease traffic flow especially for those going to and coming from the airport,” he said in a statement.

He pointed out that visibility and the efficient management of traffic enforcers would ensure better traffic flow in the area.

Based on the traffic deployment plan, the airport police department will ensure the smooth flow of traffic in the immediate vicinity of the four Naia terminals while the MMDA and local government units will take charge of the major roads around the airport complex.

MMDA enforcers will man traffic on Naia (formerly MIA) and Domestic Roads and work beside Pasay City enforcers on Andrews and Sales Avenues.  The agency will also team up with Parañaque City traffic enforcers on Ninoy Aquino Avenue. -Jeannette I. Andrade