AS Marikina City prepares for the expected surge of shoppers and motorists ahead of the Christmas season, Mayor Maan Teodoro on Monday, December 15, ordered heightened traffic management and security measures across key commercial and market areas in the city.
With the Christmas rush picking up, the mayor noted heavier congestion in markets and commercial areas and directed the Office of Public Safety and Security (OPSS) and traffic enforcers to improve vehicle flow.
“Kaya inatasan natin ang OPSS, ang traffic enforcers na ayusin ang daloy ng mga sasakyan,” Teodoro said during the flag raising ceremony.
She instructed OPSS to deploy personnel in critical entry and exit points of the city, as well as major intersections prone to gridlock.
“Inaatasan po natin ang ating OPSS na magtalaga ng mga enforcer sa mga critical areas, lalo na sa mga papasok at palabas ng ating lungsod pati na rin ang intersection areas kung saan nararanasan ang minsan’y gridlock,” she said.
Citing public feedback, the mayor noted reports of prolonged travel times even outside peak hours, underscoring the need for data-driven traffic adjustments.
“Halimbawa po sa kanto ng D. Mariano at J.P. Rizal, may mga report tayong natatanggap na kahit hindi rush hour, umaabot ng 25 hanggang 30 minutes bago makarating sa bahagi ng Farmers 1 ang mga sasakyang galing sa Nangka,” she said.
Mayor Teodoro also ordered stricter enforcement of loading and unloading regulations and tougher action against illegal parking to ease congestion during the holiday season.
“Hindi po ito para makaabala, kundi para pangalagaan ang oras, kaligtasan, at maayos na galaw ng araw-araw na buhay ng bawat taga-Marikina, lalo na ngayong Christmas rush,” she said.
Meanwhile, the mayor lauded OPSS for conducting consultations and trial traffic schemes with vendors, shoppers, and drivers to strike a balance between vibrant commerce and convenient mobility.
In addition, she called on the Marikina Police to further enhance police visibility and market security to prevent theft incidents.
“Kasabay po nito ay ang ating pakiusap sa ating Marikina PNP na mas pag-ibayuhin ang police visibility at higpitan rin ang pagbabantay sa ating mga pamilihan upang maiwasan ang mga insidente ng pandurukot,” she said.
Mayor Teodoro thanked city workers, frontliners, and volunteers for their dedication and service.
“Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat. The city moves forward because of you,” Teodoro said.
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