Smooth school opening - MMDA

MANILA, Philippines - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reported a smooth opening of classes Monday as about 1,000 traffic constables were deployed to direct the flow of traffic along the Metro's schools, colleges and universities.

MMDA Assistant General Manager for Operations Emerson Carlos said the vehicular traffic volume Monday , the first day of classes, was not as heavy as expected.

Carlos said the traffic volume is expected to be heavier by next week when most of the private schools would start having their classes.

"So far hindi gaano kabigat 'yung traffic dahil 'yung mga nagsipasok na estudyante is from public school so we expect natin by next week bibigat 'yan dahil kasabay na yung mga students from private school," Carlos said.

Carlos added that besides fielding traffic constables, the MMDA had also repainted pedestrian crosswalks near schools and fixed and repaired traffic lights in areas where large schools are located.