The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will intensify measures to manage traffic and enhance student safety around congested schools, particularly those on major roads.

MMDA chairperson Atty. Romando Artes disclosed that the MMDA plans to reduce the number of traffic enforcers physically present in these areas, instead relying more heavily on closed-circuit television (CCTV) monitoring systems. This shift aims to regulate traffic at critical choke points and prevent unauthorized parking and obstructions near school zones.

“Now that incidents have been happening in our schools, we need to do something about it,” Artes said. “We will focus on implementing traffic systems that will prevent further congestion around school areas.”

CCTV cameras are being considered for deployment near schools such as La Salle Greenhills in San Juan City, Poveda in Mandaluyong City, Xavier School and Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City, as well as other institutions where students are frequently dropped off and picked up by private cars.

Artes noted that in several locations, especially those with two school shifts, roads become impassable due to illegally parked vehicles and ongoing construction. He also observed that some MMDA enforcers assigned to these areas have been redirected to manage general traffic instead of prioritizing school zones.