Tag: transportation

San Miguel Corporation to speed up work on completing Skyway Extension

San Miguel Corporation to speed up work on completing Skyway Extension

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You must have heard about the opening of the northbound section (entry point at Susana Heights part of the South Luzon Expressway) of the Skyway Extension Project that happened just days ago with the presence of San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president Ramon S. Ang and Department of Highways and Public Works (DPWH) secretary Mark Villar who made final inspections that day. That’s really great news!

Here are more good news! SMC announced that it will do more with the construction of the Skyway Extension Project’s southbound section (exit also in the Susana Heights area of SLEX) and things will move at a faster pace with a 3rd quarter completion in mind.

To put things in perspective, below is the excerpt from the press release published through Philippine News Agency (PNA)…

“It’s only been a number of days since we opened the northbound section, free to the public until further notice, and already we have seen a huge improvement in traffic flow, particularly on SLEX (South Luzon Expressway) and the Alabang viaduct. That makes us even more determined to complete construction of the southbound section so this project can fully serve motorists and improve traffic and connectivity to and from the south,” SMC president Ramon S. Ang said in a statement Wednesday.

Ang said the soft-opening of the first two of the three lanes of the northbound Skyway Extension from Susana Heights to Sucat, Paranaque proved to be timely, as it coincided with the easing of quarantine restrictions.

Despite the higher volume of vehicles on the expressway, traffic has been smooth because many Class 1 vehicles now use the Skyway Extension. 

“We’re already seeing how convenient and much faster travel is now, and it will become even more evident when traffic volume picks up and starts to normalize. That is why we’d again like to ask for our motorists’ cooperation and understanding as we move towards completion of the southbound Skyway Extension,” Ang said.

As part of the next phase of construction, Ang said the Hillsborough off-ramp of the elevated southbound Skyway will be closed to traffic permanently starting April 19 at 6 a.m.

As such, vehicles coming from the elevated Skyway will now exit at the steel ramp in Alabang. Heavy traffic is expected in this area.

“Unfortunately, there is no way around it, we need to close this portion to secure the staging ground for equipment and workers and to accelerate construction and ensure the safety of our motorists. I appeal to our motorists again for their patience and understanding. We expect heavy traffic to persist for the duration of the construction, but rest assured we will do everything we can to help mitigate this, and complete the project within the timetable,” Ang said.

With this, SMC Infrastructure is advising motorists to take the following alternative routes:

Class 1 vehicles from Pasay, Makati, Manila, and Quezon City bound for SLEX and farther South

• From Skyway Elevated, keep left to Steel Ramp towards destination.

Class 1 vehicles from Pasay, Makati, Manila, and Quezon City bound for Alabang

• From Skyway – Elevated, keep right to Alabang-Zapote off-ramp.

The Skyway Extension southbound section has two lanes and runs from the Skyway Main Toll Plaza to Soldier’s Hills in Muntinlupa, with a total distance of four kilometers. 

Meanwhile, Ang reiterated that use of the northbound Skyway Extension will remain free for motorists until further notice. 

The Skyway Extension project is part of the 38-kilometer elevated Skyway System, which includes the newly-opened Skyway Stage 3, also fully-funded by SMC.

Did you enjoy the above news and details? I sure did. What San Miguel Corporation (in coordination with the national government) has been doing is already benefitting people of Metro Manila and those from both the north and south of the National Capital Region (NCR) who need to travel great distances efficiently and faster. The results will be even greater once the entire project has been completed and the benefits will be available not only to travelers and motorists today, but also for future generations of people. Check out the related Skyway video below.

That being said, SMC and the Skyway projects are great examples of capitalism making great improvements to the national infrastructure. It is clear that the private sector is essential as it has the technologies, the expertise and resources to improve the quality of life (apart from providing good paying jobs) here in the Philippines. Capitalism is essential and good, and socialism (and all its related Leftist garbage) sucks. For more insight about capitalism and socialism, watch these videos from John Stossel plus another video that debunks the Left’s propaganda that the poor got poorer.

In closing this piece, let me ask you what you do think about the latest developments about the Skyway project? If you actually traveled via the Skyway lately, how was your travel experience?

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

SMC President Ramon S. Ang declares Skyway northbound extension structurally complete

SMC President Ramon S. Ang declares Skyway northbound extension structurally complete

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Motorists coming from south of Metro Manila (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas and other southern destinations) here in the Philippines will have something good to look forward to as San Miguel Corporation (SMC) president Ramon S. Ang formally announced that the northbound section of the Skyway Extension project has been completed structurally and by the end of this month, asphalt-laying will be done.

This announcement by the charismatic businessman and infrastructure developer reflects his corporation’s commitment to the public providing a long-term solution to the traffic congestion problems of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), particularly the area approaching the Alabang area of Muntinlupa City. It is San Miguel Corporation that spearheaded this project in coordination with the national authorities. This is a great example of how a major private sector player (as well as one of the Philippines’ largest corporations) made a breakthrough on Philippine infrastructure that will benefit many motorists and passengers in the generations to come. This is something that the anti-prosperity, anti-business, socialist and Communist fanatics cannot discredit.

Going back to the announcement, below is an excerpt from the press release published through the Philippine News Agency (PNA) website…

“I’m happy to announce that soon, we can open the northbound section of the Skyway Extension for our motorists coming from the south. This almost four-kilometer, three-lane expansion will have an additional capacity of 4,500 vehicles per hour, significantly easing congestion and allowing motorists to bypass the Alabang viaduct. Those coming from SLEX or MCX can go up the ramp at Susana Heights, and directly go to Makati, Manila, Skyway 3, all the way to Quezon City and North Luzon Expressway,” he said in a statement Wednesday. 

Ang said one can be at NLEX in 25 to 30 minutes instead of two to three hours, and bypass the usual traffic chokepoints such as Alabang, Magallanes, and Edsa. 

“This will be a big relief to so many motorists and will do a lot to ease traffic in southern Metro Manila, including on public roads leading to SLEX and Skyway,” he added. 

Conceptualized and fully funded by SMC, the Skyway Extension project started in late 2019. The northbound section stretches 3.99 kilometers from Susana Heights to Sucat. 

It is seen to decongest SLEX and Skyway at-grade traffic by diverting motorists straight to the elevated Skyway. 

The project was originally set for completion by December 2020 but was affected by delays and work limitations brought about by the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) global pandemic, starting with the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) implemented beginning middle of March last year. 

Ang thanked motorists and stakeholders, including the Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Transportation, the local government of Muntinlupa, and private companies such as Filinvest, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), and Meralco, for their full cooperation and support for the project.  

While those were a lot of details, I did notice that there is no fixed date yet as to when exactly will the northbound structure (the wide ramp of which is located many meters before the Filinvest Exit and the Alabang viaduct) will be opened to the public. To put things clearly, SMC and its contractors are doing the finishing touches.

Regardless, this is still great news and in due time the opening will happen. I guess it will be opened formally during the summer season. Once a new update has been made, I will update you all.

In the meantime, please kindly share this to motorists, relatives or friends you know who need to travel from the south to the Metro Manila and to the north.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me as well. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me at HavenorFantasy@twitter.com

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Skyway Stage 3 opened to motorists

Skyway Stage 3 opened to motorists

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After long years of waiting and a lot of hard work done mainly by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) and its strategic partners, Stage 3 of the Metro Manila Skyway here in the Philippines has officially been opened to motorists as confirmed by SMC’s president and CEO Ramon S. Ang.

“All access points and seven lanes in select areas will be available to motorists starting January 15 still for free—extended until February 1—so that our motorists can experience and enjoy seamless driving along this engineering marvel over Metro Manila’s congested streets,” Ang posted on his official Facebook page on January 13, 2021.

An official photo of a specific stretch of Skyway Stage 3 released by San Miguel Corporation.

Yesterday, the inauguration ceremony of Skyway Stage 3 was held and was graced by many government officials and special guests, including President Rodrigo Duterte. Ang expressed hope for the future as Skyway Stage 3 will benefit a lot of people traveling between north and south of Metro Manila.

Ang issued the following statement: I celebrate this special day with a full heart, knowing that we have delivered another game-changing project that will make a difference in the lives of so many Filipinos for many generations to come. With the official opening of our 18-km Skyway Stage 3, traffic in Metro Manila will be significantly reduced. It will no longer rob our kababayan of precious quality time with their families. After bridging the north and south of the Metro, we will begin work next month to realize another dream: to link Manila and Rizal in the east and eventually provide seamless land travel on all four corners of Metro Manila.  Thank you to all our partner-stakeholders past and present, and to the Duterte Administration for the unwavering support in helping us deliver this vital infrastructure project! Maraming, maraming salamat po!

As mentioned before, Stage 3 of Skyway is a stretch of about 18 kilometers that connects the northern and southern parts of Luzon with an elevated highway that results much faster travel for motorists. Not only does it connect the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) with the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX), it also allows motorists coming from both highways to reach their destinations in Quezon City, Manila and Makati City via designated exits. Skyway Stage 3 also has seven lanes.

In addition, anyone traveling from the north, let’s say the province of Bulacan, who has to travel all the way to Cavite province can do so by traveling along Skyway Stage 3 (to bypass EDSA and all the congested Metro Manila streets below), reach the older Skyway that connects to the NAIAX (Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway) and connect to the CAVITEX (Cavite Expressway). Motorists from Cavite on the other hand can go north much faster than before through the same route of expressways.

People from Laguna province who need to visit far destinations in the north like Subic Bay or Clark can do so by entering the Skyway from SLEX, go through Skyway Stage 3 and enter the NLEX. From NLEX travelers can go to Subic Bay via the SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway). To reach Clark, travel further north via NLEX.

The potential benefits of Skyway Stage 3 makes travel between north and south much easier and more efficient. This also means avoiding losing precious time in traffic jams in Metro Manila’s old roads below the Skyway, and this should translate into much less stress traveling. As such, San Miguel Corporation and Ramon S. Ang deserve a lot of thanks and admiration. Also, never forget to thank God that this incredible achievement of Philippine infrastructure happened in our lifetimes. For sure, Skyway Stage 3 will contribute a lot to the socio-economic development of not only Luzon but the Philippines as a whole.

In ending this, posted below is the January 5, 2021 official video of Skyway Stage 3 (which was partially opened weeks ago) for your viewing pleasure and learning.

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For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the FB group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Alabang Hills Village HOA: Tirona street gate to reopen July 6, 2020 (Monday)

Alabang Hills Village HOA: Tirona street gate to reopen July 6, 2020 (Monday)

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Disclaimer: This is my original work with details sourced from official documents published by the Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) and doing personal research. Anyone who wants to use this article, in part or in whole, needs to secure first my permission and agree to cite me as the source and author. Let it be known that any unauthorized use of this article will constrain the author to pursue the remedies under R.A. No. 8293, the Revised Penal Code, and/or all applicable legal actions under the laws of the Philippines.

Alabang Hills Village HOA: Tirona street gate to reopen July 6, 2020 (Monday)

Hey everyone and fellow residents of South Metro Manila (Muntinlupa, Parañaque and Las Piñas)!

Would you happen to be a motorist looking for ways to travel more efficiently between BF Homes subdivision and Alabang without having to go through the traffic along Alabang-Zapote Road, Concha Cruz Drive and other roads that lead deeper into Las Piñas City?

Well, if you have a vehicle with a VALID vehicular sticker of BF Homes and Alabang Hills, you will be delighted to know that the Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) in Muntinlupa City announced very recently via their Community Bulletin (#53) that the shared gate along Tirona street will reopen on Monday (July 6, 2020). The said gate was supposed to reopen on July 1 via the announcement by the BF Homes federation but something happened that prevent it.

Check out the images below I took from their village clubhouse bulletin board.

AHVAJul2K20aAHVAJul2K20b

As it is seen in the above images, AHVA’s Community Bulletin #53 is loaded with lots details about varied matters. Tirona Gate, which has been closed for the past few months due to the COVID-19 crisis, is specifically listed under item #3 on the first page.

TironaGateJul2K20
The Tirona street gate shared by Alabang Hills Village Association and BF Homes.

For the newcomers reading this, Tirona Gate (pictured above) is shared between AHVA and the federation of BF Homes subdivision. Tirona street is a long stretch of road that leads and connects to Aguirre Avenue within the jurisdiction of Parañaque City (which has a major COVID-19 problem of its own so if you visit the city, be extra careful to avoid infection. As of this writing, Parañaque has more COVID-19 confirmed cases than Las Piñas and Muntinlupa cities combined).

As written in the Community Bulletin, Muntinlupa City Health Officer Dr. Teresa Tuliao met with AHVA’s top officials – President Tiggs Caronongan, General Manager Lanie Rosas and Director Zenaida Celestino) – and in relation to Tirona Gate (identified as Gate 2), Tuliao emphasized that the mere passing of vehicles through village gates DOES NOT raise the risk of infection of COVID-19.

On the other hand, there is more risk of getting infected by visiting places where social distancing was not properly observed.

That being said, a decision was made by AHVA (in coordination with Barangay Cupang) to reopen Tirona Gate on July 6 although there is nothing written about what time exactly will it happen that day (a Monday).

So, there you have it! Unless something drastic or a major last-minute change would happen, Tirona Gate will reopen this coming Monday and the motorists who will benefit are those who have valid non-resident, pass-thru stickers of both AHVA and the BF Homes federation. As such, let me remind you motorists to always respect and follow the in-village traffic rules and speed limits.

To motorists of BF Homes and other Barangay BF Homes communities (example: Tahanan Village), do you plan to go to Alabang by passing through the Tirona Gate on Monday? For reactions, please post in the comments below.

If you have questions or suggestions for AHVA, you are free to contact them at landlines 8850-8254 and 8850-9631, and email address ahvainc08@yahoo.com.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government announces designated PUV stops as LTFRB eyes resumption of traditional jeeps

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government announces designated PUV stops as LTFRB eyes resumption of traditional jeeps

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City Government announces designated PUV stops as LTFRB eyes resumption of traditional jeeps

The City Government of Muntinlupa announced the designated pick-up and drop-off points for public utility vehicles in the city’s major thoroughfares as the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board eyes to allow resumption of traditional jeepneys in Metro Manila next week.

Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau released a list of designated PUV stops along National Road and Alabang-Zapote Road which shall take effect immediately.

Designated PUV Stops
The official map. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

In an announcement, MTMB noted that the new scheme was crafted following a study conducted by the local bureau which aims to organize the public transportation system in the city.

Each stop will have signages informing commuters of their Current Stop, Next Stop, and Route Overview.

PUVs with Alabang-Tunasan via National Road route has 18 stops which include: Pacwood/Muntinlupa-Laguna Boundary, Villa Carolina I, RMT, St. Peregrine, Rodriguez (Tunasan Proper), SM Center Muntinlupa, Pepsi Plant, Sto. Niño Village, Hall of Justice, Centennial Ave., Poblacion, Bucal, City Hall, Soldiers’ Hills, Summitville, Purok 1 (Bayanan), Bautista Intersection, and Ayala Malls SouthPark.

While Alabang-Buencamino via Alabang-Zapote Road route has eight stops: Ospital ng Muntinlupa, Asian Hospital, RITM, Northgate, Alabang Town Center, Madrigal (Molito), Alabang Hills, and Buencamino. Pick-up and drop-off points in the three hospitals are only applicable for the free shuttle service of the City Government.

The two routes will both converge in Starmall Alabang as its central terminal.

The City Government continues to provide free shuttle for Authorized Persons Outside Residence and will ferry commuters using the designated PUV stops. A “no face mask, no ride” is being implemented while minors and senior citizens are still prohibited to ride in compliance with IATF guidelines.

Mayor Jaime Fresendi urged commuters to strictly observe physical distancing and other health protocols in all PUV stops.

Free shuttle service of e-jeeps for Muntinlupa residents starts at 7:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., and 4:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.

As of June 24, Muntinlupa City has 351 confirmed cases with 240 recoveries, 74 active cases, 37 reported deaths, 65 suspect cases, and 298 probable cases.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. Some parts were edited for this website. 

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City deploys shuttle service for commuters amid public transportation restriction in GCQ

COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City deploys shuttle service for commuters amid public transportation restriction in GCQ

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COVID-19 Crisis: Muntinlupa City deploys shuttle service for commuters amid public transportation restriction in GCQ

 

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Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi and City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela inspect city buses to be deployed on Tuesday to help out commuters left stranded by the ban on public transport during the general community quarantine. The local government of Muntinlupa deploys city buses servicing route from Tunasan to Alabang (National Road) and vice versa to ferry stranded commuters from 5:00 AM to 12:00 NN and 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A “no mask, no entry” policy and physical distancing will be strictly implemented in the shuttle services. (source – Muntinlupa PIO)

To help the many commuters who were left stranded by the ban on public transport during the general community quarantine (GCQ), the City Government of Muntinlupa deploys shuttle services to ferry them along the city’s National Road.

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi inspected city buses to be mobilized on Tuesday together with City Administrator Engr. Allan Cachuela and Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau chief Danidon Nolasco.

Two city buses and one coaster servicing route from Tunasan to Alabang (National Road) and vice versa will ferry commuters from 5:00 AM to 12:00 NN and 1:00 PM to 9:00 PM. A “no mask, no entry” policy and physical distancing will be strictly implemented in the shuttle services.

Recently, the City Government also mobilized 28 Hatid Serbisyo fleets (11 flexi-trucks, 11 e-jeepneys, and six e-tricycles servicing provincial road (Baybayin)) to help frontliners and Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APOR).

Under the general community quarantine, the Department of Transportation implemented two phases for the resumption of operation of the different modes of public transportation.

For the first phase from June to 21, public utility vehicles including trains, bus augmentation units, taxis, ride-hailing cars, shuttle services, point-to-point (P2P) buses, and bicycles will be allowed to operate at a limited capacity.

While, modern PUVs and UV Express will be allowed to operate for the second phase which will run from June 22 to 30 with limited passenger capacity.

Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi has approved Executive Order No. 15 s.2020 allowing the resumption of tricycle operations in the city during the community quarantine.

Starting May 25, the City Government has allowed tricycle to operate and transport authorized passengers provided that they follow sanitary measures. An odd-even scheme has been enforced and tricycles can only operate from 5:00 AM – 12:00 MN.

Muntinlupa City has 229 confirmed cases with 158 recoveries, 39 active cases, 32 reported deaths, 47 suspect cases, and 342 probable cases as of June 1.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. Some parts were edited for this website. 

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

 

 

 

 

COVID-19 Crisis: 4,174 tricycles in Muntinlupa City now allowed to operate amid MECQ

COVID-19 Crisis: 4,174 tricycles in Muntinlupa City now allowed to operate amid MECQ

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COVID-19 Crisis: 4,174 tricycles in Muntinlupa City now allowed to operate amid MECQ

Over four thousand tricycles in Muntinlupa City have been allowed to operate and transport authorized passengers provided that they follow sanitary measures amid the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

Traffic Management Bureau chief Danidon Nolasco stated that the resumption of tricycle operations in the city starting May 25 aims to help at least 4,174 tricycle drivers who have renewed their permits.

Nolasco said tricycle drivers can only transport frontliners, workers of industries allowed to operate during MECQ, and heads of households buying essential goods to limit people’s movement.

An odd-even scheme will be implemented and tricycles can only operate from 5:00 AM – 12:00 MN.  MTMB has already distributed 2,761 official stickers and quarantine passes to tricycle drivers from 26 TODA.

The local traffic chief reminded tricycle drivers that the prohibition in entering highways and national road is still in effect, except for emergency health cases. Further, cross-over trips are not allowed, except for Rizal St. (Poblacion) and Bautista (Bayanan).

Only one passenger per tricycle will be allowed with an exemption for emergency cases. Due to limited passenger load, each trip will be considered a “special trip” and will amount not exceeding P25.00.

A transparent plastic sheet barrier shall be installed in tricycles to avoid physical contact. Tricycles are to be disinfected at least twice a day and must have alcohol-based sanitizers. Drivers and passengers must wear face masks at all times.

Mandatory temperature check will be conducted and disinfecting facility with soap and water, or sanitizers, will be made available in local terminals.

Tricycle drivers found in violation of the guidelines will be penalized with P1,000 for first offense, P2,000 for second offense, and revocation of permit for third offense.

Muntinlupa Mayor Jaime Fresnedi has approved Executive Order No. 15 s.2020 allowing the resumption of tricycle operations in the city during MECQ.

The resumption of tricycle operations in Muntinlupa is in accordance with the recommendation of Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau and Omnibus Public Transportation Guidelines as approved by the Department of Transportation.

As of May 25, Muntinlupa City has 207 confirmed cases with 144 recoveries, 32 active cases, 31 reported deaths, 36 suspect cases, and 192 probable cases.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. Some parts were edited for this website. 

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

COVID-19 Crisis: Tricycles to resume operation in Muntinlupa starting Monday amid MECQ as conditions apply

COVID-19 Crisis: Tricycles to resume operation in Muntinlupa starting Monday amid MECQ as conditions apply

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COVID-19 Crisis: Tricycles to resume operation in Muntinlupa starting Monday amid MECQ as conditions apply

Starting Monday (May 25) tricycles in Muntinlupa City will be allowed to transport authorized passengers provided that they follow sanitary measures amid the modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).

Mayor Jaime Fresnedi approved Executive Order No. 15 s.2020 allowing the resumption of tricycle operations in the city during MECQ.

The resumption of tricycle operations in Muntinlupa is in accordance with the recommendation of Muntinlupa Traffic Management Bureau and Omnibus Public Transportation Guidelines as approved by the Department of Transportation.

Tricycle Operators and Drivers Associations (TODA) will implement an odd-even scheme where all members with Tricycle Regulatory Unit (TRU) numbers ending in an odd digit will be allowed to operate on M-W-F schedule, while those with TRU numbers ending in an even digit will be allowed on T-Th-S schedule.

TODA members are not allowed on Sundays and may only operate from 5:00 AM – 12:00 MN.

Tricycle drivers must install transparent plastic sheet separating the passenger cab and driver to avoid physical contact. Tricycles are to be disinfected at least twice a day and must have alcohol-based sanitizers.

One passenger per tricycle will be strictly followed with an exemption on emergency cases. Due to limited passenger load, each trip will be considered a “special trip” and will amount not exceeding P25.00.

Passengers allowed to board on tricycles include essential workers, frontliners, workers of allowed industries, and heads of households buying essential goods provided that they present quarantine pass and valid ID.

A mandatory temperature check will be conducted in terminals. Disinfecting facility with soap and water, or sanitizers, must also be made available. Tricycle drivers and passengers are mandated to wear face masks at all times.

MTMB-TRU will conduct random inspections to validate the compliance of TODAs. Tricycle drivers found in violation of the guidelines will be penalized.

Muntinlupa City recorded the highest COVID-19 recovery rate in Metro Manila at 56.85% as of May 16. Further, COVID-19 transmission in the city is slowing down with a doubling time of eight days.

Fresnedi said the City Government will implement more stringent quarantine measures and will not be complacent amid MECQ and with the high recovery rate among Muntinlupa’s COVID-19 cases.  The local exec reminded city residents that they should continue to observe physical distancing and wear masks when going out of their homes.

Muntinlupa City has 205 confirmed cases with 127 recoveries, 48 active cases, 30 reported deaths, 21 suspect cases, and 195 probable cases as of May 21.

This is an official Press Release issued by the City Government of Muntinlupa. Some parts were edited for this website. 

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments.

 

 

Alabang Hills Village Implements New Schedule For Passing Through Their Village

Alabang Hills Village Implements New Schedule For Passing Through Their Village

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Yesterday, the Alabang Hills Village Association (AHVA) implemented the new schedule for passing through their village in Muntinlupa City in relation to the traffic re-routing along the West Service Road by the Skyway.

To put things in perspective, the new schedule is now set at 5AM to 12 midnight daily from February 16 up to April 16. The said schedule specifically applies to non-resident motorists who already secured vehicular stickers from the AHVA. For the newcomers reading this, Alabang Hills Village has gates connecting to the Alabang-Zapote Road, to BF Homes subdivision and the long road leading to the West Service Road.

Going back to the new schedule, the 12 midnight deadline is notable because previously passing through the village (using a vehicle with a valid Alabang Hills sticker) was prohibited by 10PM.

As the Skyway project involving parts of the West Service Road is ongoing, we will see in due time how many vehicles (with valid AHVA stickers) will pass through Alabang Hills Village.

Before closing this, those of you who will visit the village should know that there is a new community store that recently opened at one end of the renovated village facility (where the AHVA office used to be). Here’s a picture of the new store below.

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The new AHV Convenience Store. The store keeper clarified to me that they don’t work on a 24/7 schedule.

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My Observations: Muntinlupa City to Implement New Traffic Scheme No Later than October 13

My Observations: Muntinlupa City to Implement New Traffic Scheme No Later than October 13

carlocarrasco

Since the start of the construction of the Skyway extension project on the evening of September 24, traffic got worse on the northbound lane of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX). The result? The construction – which resulted eating up road space – made traffic more congested than before. As I drove on the way to the office in Laguna on September 25, I saw many vehicles (heading north) jammed together tightly from the Alabang viaduct up to around twenty kilometers going south in the jurisdiction of Laguna.

And then I later experienced the hardship of being in the traffic jam going back to Alabang that same day. The trip home took an additional one hour and twenty minutes for me.

The next day, it took me more than an hour again to reach Alabang from Laguna going home. Only this time, I took the exit to go to the Muntinlupa-Cavite Expressway (MCX), turned to Daang Hari and go to Alabang. On the other side of the SLEX, motorists traveling north took the exit going to the National Road of Muntinlupa. National Road is composed of only four lanes, take note.

As the Skyway operator confirmed that the project construction will last until late 2020, we the motorists have no choice but to accept the new reality that the worsened traffic will be the new normal along the SLEX.

The City Government of Muntinlupa noticed this problem. The construction also affected the East service road’s traffic which caused inconvenience to the businesses and residents who often travel there.

This is why today (September 30), the City Government formally announced the implementation of a one-way traffic scheme at the East service road no later than October 13. The purpose of this new move is to address, and hopefully ease, the heavy traffic motorists are experiencing.

Already a consultation was organized by Traffic Management Bureau chief Danidon Nolasco with representatives from San Miguel Corporation Tollways, EEI, transport groups, and subdivisions and companies situated the East service road.

Nolasco said SMC Tollways anticipate at least 14 weeks to finish the construction of the extension project with the currently imposed stop-and-go traffic scheme. He added that construction period will be reduced by half if a one-way traffic scheme will be enforced.

Motorists are advised that a northbound one-way traffic route will be implemented at the East service road from Alabang viaduct going to Sucat Interchange on or before October 13. While, the West service road and Baybayin will remain two-way in traffic as usual.

The representatives of the business establishments located in the area agreed to the new rerouting plan and requested that the new traffic scheme to be disseminated and implemented immediately.

As for the Skyway extension project along the East service road, EEI Project Manager Joe Ilagan said at least forty-one columns will be erected and the project’s bored piles and columns will be situated in between the service road and expressway. This is why road space is reduced resulting worse traffic on both the service road and the northbound lane of the SLEX.

The elevated toll road extension project from Sucat skyway off-ramp to Soldiers Hills, Muntinlupa is expected to be completed by December 2020.

Until that project is completed and traffic relief is realized, we motorists really have to adjust ourselves and be more patient using the SLEX. Heavy traffic obviously costs the nation’s economy (and us, the people) a lot of money and time. Imagine all the appointments, all the planned flights, all the opportunities get lost because SLEX northbound traffic prevented people from reaching their respective destination.

As the Christmas season approaches, vehicular traffic will get even worse due to the anticipated rise in business transactions related to Christmas-related spending. Take for example, the many commercial joints here in South Metro Manila. People will go out to the shopping malls (in Parañaque, Muntinlupa and Las Piñas), the bazaars and in BF Homes to buy items for gift-giving. Trucks will be going around to deliver food (example: catering), hardware and other ordered products.

Better start getting used to the new normal along SLEX. Plan your moves ahead of time as well.