The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has announced its comprehensive traffic management plan for the upcoming Holy Week, aiming to ensure the safety and convenience of motorists and commuters across Metro Manila.
In a press briefing held at the MMDA headquarters in Pasig City, MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes said that “Oplan Semana Santa” will be activated beginning April 16, with the full deployment of 2,542 field personnel and 468 assets across major roads and transport hubs in the National Capital Region.
A “no day-off, no absent” policy will be enforced for all field personnel, while the MMDA Communications and Command Center will operate 24/7 to monitor real-time traffic conditions via CCTV and other surveillance systems.
From April 18 to 20, a skeletal workforce will be assigned to key pilgrimage areas, including Visita Iglesia routes and popular destinations such as Antipolo and Grotto.
The MMDA Road Emergency Group will also be on standby to provide first aid and roadside emergency assistance. Ambulances and tow trucks will be strategically deployed, and inter-agency assistance desks will be established near transport terminals to help travelers.
In addition, road clearing and cleaning operations will be carried out throughout Metro Manila to ensure unimpeded movement of both vehicles and pedestrians.
PROVINCIAL BUSES ALLOWED ON EDSA DURING HOLY WEEK
To accommodate the expected influx of travelers, Artes announced that provincial buses will be temporarily allowed on EDSA from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on April 9, and 24/7 from April 16 to 20. North-bound buses from Luzon will end their routes in Cubao, Quezon City, while south-bound buses will stop in Pasay City.
The Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program (UVVRP), or number coding scheme, will be suspended on April 17 and 18 (Maundy Thursday and Good Friday).
Meanwhile, road reblocking and repair works will be undertaken from 11 p.m. on April 16 until 5 a.m. on April 21. Full access to the affected roads will resume by 5 a.m. on April 21. Specific areas affected will be announced via the MMDA’s official social media platforms.
Artes encouraged the public to stay informed and contact MMDA for real-time traffic updates and assistance through the Metrobase Hotline 136.
MMDA BANS VLOGGING DURING OPERATIONS
The MMDA also announced a ban on vlogging, recording, and posting during official operations—applicable to both MMDA personnel and private individuals.
This move follows an incident involving MMDA Special Operations Group Strike Force Head Gabriel Go, who now faces legal action after publicly shaming a police officer during a clearing operation while vlogging.
Artes stressed that the agency aims to maintain professionalism and discipline during operations, and that documentation for personal or social media use will no longer be tolerated during work hours.
