The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is gearing up for the resumption of face-to-face classes in August.
Lawyer Victor Nuñez, head of MMDA Traffic Discipline Office Enforcement, said the agency is committed to protect children traveling to school in preparation for the academic year 2022-2023.
“We will have a meeting with the school administrators, Parent-Teacher Associations, and local traffic bureaus in the National Capital Region to discuss road safety checks in school zones,” said Nuñez, during the celebration of the National Safe Kids Week held at the MMDA Traffic Academy in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
“Let me emphasize that road safety is a shared responsibility. We will ensure that enforcement of traffic laws, in constant coordination with the Department of Transportation, Land Transportation Office, and Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, are in place to keep tabs on motorists to protect the safety of vulnerable road users,” he added.
Nuñez said there is an ongoing repainting of pedestrian lanes within the immediate vicinities of schools in Metro Manila.
The MMDA also has a Children’s Road Safety Park in Adriatico, Manila aimed to promote to children deeper understanding about safety on the road and traffic discipline.
DOTr undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor stressed the importance of raising awareness to all road users and implement road safety interventions.
“Our primary advocacy is to strictly enforce existing road safety laws. Children go out of their houses and take public transportation to go to school. Hence, we have to protect them as we embark on the full implementation of face-to-face classes,” Pastor said.
Meanwhile, LTO Law Enforcement Service deputy director Roberto Valera pointed out why enforcement of road safety laws is important.
“LTO is a road safety advocate. A strong, sustained, and highly visible enforcement are needed to prevent road crash incidents involving children,” he said.