Signs of the times elicit smiles

Not only does he appear to be fond of color-coding urinals and traffic barriers, Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando also appears to have a knack for using colorful language in street signs.

Filipino motorists, commuters and pedestrians can’t help but smile when confronted by such dire anti-jaywalking warnings as Bawal ang Tao Dito (People Not Allowed Here) and Walang Tawiran/Nakamamatay (No Pedestrian Crossing/Can be fatal).

Has Metro Manila suddenly become a war zone where pedestrians can get shot just for crossing the street?

"Bawal daw tao. Eh, hayop pwede (People aren’t allowed. But what about animals)?" quipped one commuter when asked for his reaction.

EDSA, the busiest highway in Metro Manila, is lined with all sorts of MMDA signs besides the traditional "No Left Turn" or "No Loading and Unloading" reminders that seem more honored in the breach than in their observance.

But if their purpose is to alert the Filipino road warrior to the dangers of jaywalking, then Fernando’s offbeat signs may well earn him a Nobel Prize for wit.

EDSA’s pink traffic barriers are also adorned with signs that are less about traffic rules and more about the ways of good citizenship.

"Munting Basura, Ibulsa Muna" reads one Singapore-inspired appeal for motorists and pedestrians to tuck their candy wrappers into their pockets.

There are also reminders for users of the notorious pink urinals not to make a mess while they heed the call of nature.

"Ang pag-ihi ay isyut nang manatili itong kyut" exhorts the men to "shoot" their pee so the urinal will presumably remain "cute."

The MMDA main office in Makati also has its share of Fernando aphorisms.

A slogan, dedicated to street sweepers, greets visitors: "Sa paglilinis ay todong ngitî / Pagka’t kami’y di na bungî (We’re all smiles when we sweep / Because now we have the teeth)."

Fernando posted the slogan, in perfect Filipino rhyme, after First Gentleman Mike Arroyo gave away dentures to the Metro Aides.