Expect heavy traffic around ports, MMFF 2017 parade venue today

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has dispatched additional traffic enforcers today in anticipation of heavy traffic in areas around the airports in Parañaque City, the port area in Manila, the bus terminals in Quezon City, and the Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) 2017 “Parade of Stars” in Muntinlupa City.

“Under strict monitoring are three traffic zones, EDSA the entire stretch, the Western area where the port is located, the southern where airport terminals are situated,” said Bong Nebrija, MMDA operations supervisor.

He said traffic enforcers have been tasked to manage traffic flow in

the areas so travelers can make it on time to their destination and/or flight schedules.

All throughout the holiday period, Nebrija said all 2,200 traffic enforcers are in full force all over Metro Manila.

“We are implementing a no holiday, no day off, and no absent policy,” said Nebrija.

Meanwhile, the Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau (MTMB) warned commuters that there will be heavy traffic in the city this afternoon because of the MMFF’s Parade of Stars that kicks off at 2 p.m.

The parade begins at the Muntinlupa Sports Complex and traverses Buendia Street, Centennial Avenue and along the National Road from Barangay Tunasan to Alabang. It will end at Filinvest Event Groups (Block 30) for a meet-and-greet program.

The MTMB said the National Road portion from Susana Heights to Alabang will be closed to traffic as early as 12 noon.

MTMB advised motorists to take alternate routes. North and southbound vehicles coming from Tunasan, San Pedro and Biñan may take Susana Heights access road entry to South Super highway and exit at Alabang/Sucat or Filinvest toll gates.

Motorists may pass through Katarungan Village to reach Daang Hari Road or use the CARES Access Road in Putatan to reach Alabang.

South-bound motorists may use the Alabang-Zapote Road, turn right on Investment Drive going to Daang Hari Road, straight to MCX/SLEX going to point of destination.

MTMB said residents from East Service Road going south via the National Road may turn left to Montillano Street in Alabang, then right to Baybayin (Coastal Road) to point of destination.

The Muntinlupa Police said prohibited items during the parade are firearms, explosives, bladed weapons, metallic objects, bags, and water canisters. Children below 4 feet and persons with wheelchair, crunches and cranes, and pregnant women are not allowed to participate in the parade.

The official entries for this year’s MMFF are “Gandarrapiddo: The Revenger Squad,” “'Ang Panday,” “All of You,” “Deadma Walking,” “Siargao,” “Haunted Forest” and “'Ang Larawan.”

Overall, the traffic volume in Metro Manila increases by 20 percent during the Christmas season due to the shopping rush, said the MMDA.

Aside from the normal traffic situation, mall sales, Christmas parties, different promotional activities happen everywhere in the metropolis.