MMDA EYES 7AM-4PM WORKING HOURS FOR NATIONAL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is recommending to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. the adoption of the modified work schedule from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. in all national government agencies to ease the traffic.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes said that based on a study conducted by in some LGUs that participated, the traffic volume and travel speed along major thoroughfares in Metro Manila have increased by at least 17.68 percent and 4.6 percent

MMDA is planning to recommend adjusted working hours in Metro Manila national government agencies to ease traffic during rush hour (Photo courtesy of Philippine Daily Inquirer)
MMDA data showed the historical traffic volume in Metro Manila in 2019 or before the pandemic was around 3 million vehicles per day and it increased to around 3.6 million vehicles per day in 2023. In 2019, the travel speed was recorded at 23.38 kph during peak hours and it improved to 24.46 kph in 2023.
The agency added that national government agencies (NGAs) employees using private vehicles during peak hours will be distributed by 37.15% of the 473,533 employees. This rate is equivalent to an estimate of 175,918 employees.
Further, 47.20% of the total number of NGA employees, or an estimate of 223,508 employees using public transport will avoid joining rush hour alongside private sector employees.
“In our opinion, if all national government agencies implement 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. working hours, that's when we will experience its good effects. More likely, we'll submit the report and the recommendation to the Office of the President,” said Artes.
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano also both expressed full support to adopt the modified work schedule to avoid the rush hour.
Artes said once the recommendation is approved by all 17 mayors in the National Capital Region (NCR), it will be submitted to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The Metro Manila local governments started the modified working schedule in the first quarter of 2024 to ease traffic congestion in the region.
The resolution, aimed at improving traffic and commuting conditions, said the traditional 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. working hours of government offices “align with the standard working hours of private companies, thereby contributing to traffic congestion in Metro Manila.”
“It will surely help in terms of public transport. Imagine, there are 500,000 employees. They can avoid joining other commuters. The recommendation has to be finalized before the start of Edsa rehabilitation,” Artes said.
Source: GMA Integrated News
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