MMDA supports relocation of Circulo del Mundo structure near NAIA T3

Circulo del Mundo near NAIA (Wikipedia)

MANILA — To help ease the traffic congestion due to on-going Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) elevated expressway, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Sunday expressed support to the relocation of egg-like sculpture at the rotunda near the NAIA Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

The Layag Islas is a giant egg-like structure located at the Circulo del Mundo rotunda near the NAIA Terminal 3. It was built in 2009 during the Arroyo administration after its design won in a competition held by the MMDA and the Manila International Airport Authority in 2008.

MMDA Chairman Francis Tolentino said the Circulo will be just moved to a nearby location.He said that the current location was affected by the on-going construction of the NAIA elevated expressway.

The Php15.52-billion NAIA Expressway Phase 2 project from Sales Road in Pasay City to Macapagal Avenue in Parañaque City involves a 7.75 kilometer, four-lane elevated expressway.

“We need to move the structure so that we could erect the post for NAIA elevated expressway,” Tolentino said.

The MMDA chief pointed out that the move will help ease traffic congestion around NAIA.

Once the structure is demolished, Tolentino said more lanes will be opened that could decongest traffic in the area.

“The traffic condition around the airport will improve a lot because motorists can use the Skyway and elevated expressway,” he added.

For his part, Jose Angel Honrado, MIAA general manager, said he is open to move the structure to reduce traffic in the area.

Honrado said contractors of the DPWH have started removing some parts of the structure for the construction of the post.

“The contractors asked for my authority to transfer it. I will not object if they remove it,” he added.

The NAIA Elevated Expressway is expected to be finished in March 2015, while the Skyway Stage 3 is slated in 2016.