The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced on Friday that it is set to preposition 2,542 field personnel and 468 assets to implement its traffic management and deployment plan for the Holy Week.

MMDA chairperson Atty. Don Artes announced the agency’s full deployment of personnel and assets for this year’s Semana Santa, positioning them on major roads in Metro Manila.

“Our field personnel and assets will be positioned on major thoroughfares leading to transport hubs and key areas in the metropolis to manage traffic flow and guide motorists and commuters,” Artes said.

The MMDA Communications and Command Center (CCC) at the MMDA Head Office in Pasig City will operate 24/7, with a team monitoring real-time updates through closed-circuit television cameras (CCTVs) in critical areas across Metro Manila.

Oplan Semana Santa 2025 will begin on 16 April with a “no day-off, no absent” policy for field traffic personnel.

Skeletal deployment will be enforced on 18, 19 and 20 April to focus on Visita Iglesia sites and the “panata” routes to Antipolo and the Grotto.

The MMDA Road Emergency Group will be on standby to provide roadside emergency services, and ambulances and tow trucks will be stationed at strategic locations.

Inter-agency support desks will be set up near bus terminals and transportation hubs, with road emergency personnel providing medical assistance and first aid.

Cleaning and road clearing operations will be conducted to ensure roads in Metro Manila are clear and obstruction-free.

Provincial buses will be allowed to traverse EDSA from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. on 9 April and from 16 to 20 April. They will be allowed to pass through EDSA 24 hours a day to accommodate the expected influx of passengers.

“Provincial buses coming from North Luzon shall end their trips at the bus terminals in Cubao, Quezon City, while provincial buses from South Luzon shall stop their trips at the bus terminals in Pasay City,” Artes said.

Road reblocking and repairs will be conducted in various areas of Metro Manila from 11 p.m. on 16 April until 5 a.m. on 21 April. Affected roads will be fully passable by 5 a.m. on Monday and announcements will be made through the MMDA’s official social media accounts.

Also, the Unified Vehicular Volume Reduction Program, or number coding scheme, will be suspended on Maundy Thursday and Good Friday which are declared holidays.

Commuters are advised to avoid riding out-of-line and “colorum” or unregistered vehicles for their safety and security.