(SPOT.ph) What's worse than driving for hours to get anywhere in Metro Manila? Finding parking. We all know how difficult it is to find a proper parking spot in the Metro, but it looks like we might soon have some hope. Government agencies are eyeing the conversion of open spaces around the Metro into parking spaces, as suggested in a meeting between the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Metro Manila Mayors, and the Department of the Interior and Local Government on July 25, in which they discussed President Duterte's directive on traffic.
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Danilo Lim floated the idea to the Metro Manila Council, comprised of all the Metro Manila city mayors. This was seen as a possible way to lessen obstruction along public roads, though they have yet to define which spots are considered as "open spaces." For now, the agency is asking local government to help enforce stricter parking rules. "Para sa mga national roads at mga Mabuhay Lanes, ipagbabawal na ang parking at ilegal na istruktura, saka isusunod ang mga side streets,” said Lim.
Metro Manila mayors will also be given 60 days to clear public roads in their respective jurisdictions of any obstructions—that is, once the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has issued the memorandum. The department is also asking the mayors to create a formal inventory of public roads in their cities. "Ang imbentaryo ng road network ay maaaring i-audit para matukoy kung anong kalsada ang may problema dahil sa dami ng mga obstructions sa bangketa,” said Undersecretary Epimaco Densing III.
This is part of the DILG's efforts to ensure that public roads are cleared out as per the President's directive. President Rodrigo Duterte issued a call to "reclaim all public roads that are being used for private ends," during his fourth State of the Nation Address on July 22.
this strange new world.
