THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday said it will not suspend the number coding scheme on August 25 for the opening of the 2023 FIBA World Cup despite Malacañang’s suspension of classes in public schools and work in government offices in Metro Manila and Bulacan.
President Marcos Jr. earlier suspended classes and government work on August 25 to allow those who would like to physically watch the opening of the FIBA World Cup which will be held at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
“We will not suspend the number coding scheme on August 25 even if it was declared a holiday because based on our experience, we expects a larger volume of vehicles on the roadways on such holidays,” MMDA chairperson Romando Artes said in Filipino a press briefing.
He said the agency will deploy 1,300 traffic enforcers to ensure a traffic-free opening of the FIBA World Cup.
As part of the agency’s preparation for the event, Artes said it has set up a multi-agency command center to give way to a faster and more coordinated traffic management response.
Meanwhile, road works such as re-blocking, utility works, pipe laying, road upgrading and excavation works in the metropolis have been temporarily suspended effective last August 17 up to midnight of September 10.
The temporary suspension of roadworks will be implemented from EDSA Monumento to SM MOA, Kalayaan Avenue, C5 Road to EDSA, along Diokno Boulevard, P. Ocampo St., Taft Avenue to Roxas Boulevard, Roxas Boulevard, NIA Road to UN Avenue, along Meralco Avenue, Ortigas Avenue, EDSA to C5 Road and EDSA North Avenue to Agham Road in Quezon City.
The conduct of mall-wide sales will also be prohibited in malls along EDSA and other areas affected by the World Cup to ensure that all affected roads will remain passable, safe, and serviceable to all types of vehicles and pedestrians.
This year’s FIBA Basketball World Cup will be hosted not only by the Philippines but also Indonesia and Japan from August 25 to September 10.
In the Philippines, three venues will be used for the World Cup, namely the Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City, Araneta Coliseum in Quezon City and the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
