MMDA to implement ‘stop-and-go’ traffic for PH Olympians parade

PARADE-READY. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Acting Chairperson Don Artes briefs the media on the welcome parade for the Paris Olympians at the agency’s head office in Pasig City on Tuesday (Aug. 13, 2024). Artes said 300 MMDA traffic enforcers and street sweepers will ensure orderliness and cleanliness during the Aug. 14 parade that will begin at Aliw Theater in Pasay City and end at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Malate, Manila. (PNA photo by Joan Bondoc)

By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will implement a “stop-and-go” traffic scheme along the parade route for the country’s Paris Olympics athletes on Wednesday.

In a press conference at the MMDA headquarters in Pasig City on Tuesday, MMDA acting chair Don Artes said 300 personnel, including traffic enforcers and street sweepers, would be deployed for the event to ensure orderliness and cleanliness during and after the parade.

“The speed of vehicles included in the parade will be 6 km. per hour to give the public the chance to see the Philippine Olympic team. Stop-and-go traffic scheme will be implemented and the approximate time for the parade is about 45 minutes,” Artes said.

The parade will leave the Aliw Theater in Pasay City at 3 p.m. and end at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex where a short program, free and open to the public, will be held.

The 7.70-km. parade route will pass through Roxas Boulevard, P. Burgos Avenue, Finance Road, Taft and Quirino Avenues, and Adriatico Street on its way to its destination.

Artes noted that the float carrying the athletes will have a provision for rain cover in case of inclement weather.

“There will be a celebration, and at the same time honoring our athletes who worked very hard to achieve such a historic and extraordinary achievement in the Olympics,” he said.

The parade entourage will consist of MMDA motorcycle units, members of the Philippine National Police, the MMDA band, media personnel, an ambulance, and the athletes who will be aboard the parade float on top of a flatbed vehicle.

“Strictly no other vehicles will be allowed with the parade group,” he said.

Alternative routes

Artes warned motorists that the parade would affect vehicular traffic along its route, although there will be no road closures.

He advised motorists headed northbound towards R-10 road to take the Skyway, Buendia Avenue, Taft Avenue, FB Harrison Street, Mabini Street, President Quirino Street, and Lacson Avenue.

On the other hand, southbound vehicles may take Roxas Boulevard, UN Avenue, San Marcelino Street, and Quirino Avenue to the South Luzon Expressway.