Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 22) — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said the number coding scheme will remain in effect on August 25, despite the suspension of classes in public schools and government work.
“Hindi po kami magus-suspend ng color o number coding sa August 25 kahit na po ito ay dineklarang holiday. Dahil po sa aming experiensiya, kung magde-declare po kami ng suspension ng number coding, dumadami po ang kotse sa lansangan na nagke-create po ng traffic,” MMDA Acting Chairman Romando Artes said on Tuesday.
[Translation: We will not suspend color or number coding on August 25 even though it is declared a holiday. Because in our experience, if we declare a suspension of number coding, the number of cars on the streets will increase, creating traffic.]
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier ordered the suspension of classes in public schools and government work in Metro Manila and Bulacan on August 25, the opening day of the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Artes said a truck ban will be implemented in Bulacan on the same day. The opening ceremony will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bulacan.
“Meron din pong truck ban sa Bulacan para mawala o maalis muna temporarily yun pong mga malalaking trucks doon sa Bulacan,” he added.
[Translation: There is also a truck ban in Bulacan so that those big trucks can be removed temporarily.]
Aside from the Philippine Arena, games will be held at the Smart Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City.
The MMDA will deploy 1,300 enforcers to manage the traffic and implement intermittent stops or a “stop-and-go scheme” in key areas along EDSA, Kalayaan Avenue, Diokno Boulevard, Roxas Boulevard and Sales Road amid the arrival of players from over 30 countries.
The MMDA earlier coordinated with mall operators and owners since sales will be prohibited in establishments “along EDSA and other areas affected by the 2023 FIBA World Cup to ensure that all affected roads will remain passable, clean, safe and serviceable to all types of vehicles and pedestrians.”
Major construction and road works on certain thoroughfares have been temporarily suspended effective midnight of August 17, Thursday, until midnight of September 10, Sunday.
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The MMDA also set up a monitoring and command center in its head office, where traffic and security measures can be discussed with law enforcement agencies and organizers.
The much-awaited international basketball competition — which the country will co-host with Japan and Indonesia — will run from August 25 to September 10.
