MANILA – The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is recommending a shift to the 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. working hours for government workers to help address the traffic situation in the National Capital Region (NCR).
In a press conference following a meeting with the Metro Manila Council (MMC) at the MMDA headquarters in Pasig City on Thursday, MMDA Chairperson Romando Artes said the recommendation, once approved by all 17 mayors of NCR, will be submitted to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“We’ll coordinate with them and ask them what their preference is so that the data we’ll be submitting to the President is complete and the recommendations will be in line with various experiences of each of the local government units (LGUs),” Artes said.
A survey conducted on the implementation of the 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. working hours among LGUs showed a positive effect on the traffic flow in areas where the policy was implemented.
The MMDA’s report said the schedule allowed for a shorter travel time during peak hours and decreased traffic delays in Metro Manila’s major thoroughfares.
The MMDA estimated that around 37.15 percent of NCR’s government employees, or 175,918 individuals who use their own vehicles, will be affected by the policy.
An additional 47.20 percent or 223,508 government workers who use public transportation will avoid joining the usual rush hour after the implementation of the policy.
To date, San Juan City Mayor and MMC President Francis Zamora, as well as Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, have expressed support to the 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. work schedule. (PNA)