MMDA EYES 7 A.M. TO 4 P.M. WORK HOURS FOR GOVERNMENT WORKERS

TO help address the traffic situation in the National Capital Region (NCR), the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is recommending a shift to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. working hours for government workers

MMDA chairman Romando Artes said the proposal, 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.

Artes announced the recommendation in a press conference following a meeting with the Metro Manila Council (MMC) at the MMDA headquarters in Pasig City on Thursday.

A survey conducted on the implementation of the 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. working hours among local government units 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.

Based on the estimate by the MMDA, around 37.15 percent of Metro Manila’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.

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.