The Metro Manila Council (MMC) has instituted a modified work schedule for employees of Metro Manila local government units in an effort to alleviate traffic congestion in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Francis Zamora, the mayor of San Juan City and MMC President, stated on television that, starting on May 2, 2024, instead of the usual 8:00 am to 5:00 pm work hours, all city and municipal government offices will open at 7:00 am and close at 4:00 pm.

“Ang layunin natin umiwas ‘yung mahigit 100,000 kawani ng mga pamahalaang lungsod dito sa Metro Manila sa rush hour,” said Zamora, noting that NCR LGUs have around 112,000 employees.

During the transition to the altered working period, Zamora stated that a skeletal force in crucial services will be required to work beginning at 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm to accommodate clients who are not yet aware of the new operating hours.

A resolution about the modification of working hours was previously authorized by the 17-member MM Council, which noted that “The persistent traffic congestion in Metro Manila demands innovative solutions for the improvement of commuting conditions and the well-being of the citizens of the NCR.”

“The findings derived from the MMDA study underscore the potential effectiveness of implementing a standardized working schedule for government offices in Metro Manila, particularly during peak hours, in reducing traffic congestion,” it added.

The NCR LGUs were urged to issue an ordinance to implement the modified working schedule.

Marcos admin to fast-track mass transit system, considers provincial development to address traffic woes

Earlier, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stated that his administration is speeding up the country’s mass transit system to ease traffic congestion.

As a long-term solution to the metropolis’ traffic problem, Marcos has recently considered strengthening the development of surrounding provinces such as Bulacan, Pampanga, Cavite, and Laguna.

According to Marcos, giving equitable possibilities outside of Metro Manila is one of the most effective ways to solve traffic congestion.

According to a recent research done by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), traffic congestion in Metro Manila alone costs the Philippine economy at least P3.5 billion per day, or P1.27 trillion annually.

Eduardo Yap, chair of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, suggested that given the scale of traffic losses, Metro Manila should be declared a “state of calamity.”

Yap stated that the economic damage caused by traffic has already exceeded the threshold for declaring a state of calamity, which is normally P1 billion.

📷 MMDA