MANILA, Philippines — As classes began for many students across the country, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) reminded the public that school zones are considered “no parking zones” to ensure safety and mobility.
MMDA Special Operations Group-Strike Force head Gabriel Go said that the agency strengthened their back to school program even before classes started on Monday. He noted that it’s the agency unit’s routine to conduct clearing operations in Metro Manila every day.
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“We prepared for it, not just because classes have started already, it is part of our daily routine, the clearing of mabuhay lanes, alternate routes, and major thoroughfares. School zones are a no-parking zone,” Go said in a forum conducted by Manila City Hall Reporters’ Association.
He emphasized that the agency’s way to address the back-to-school program is “to provide continuous mobility” for everyone, especially for students.
“Sidewalks should be used by students, senior (citizens), and anyone as long as you are a pedestrian. Sidewalk should not just be there as a sidewalk, it should be safe,” Go added.
READ: PH schools open under new calendar
The Department of Education will implement a three-term school calendar for public schools for the new school year. The first term is from June 8, 2026 to September 15, 2026; the second term from September 16, 2026 to December 18, 2026; and third term from January 4, 2027 to April 8, 2027.
Parking pay ordinance
Meanwhile, Go noted that there is a coordination between the MMDA and the local government units (LGUs) on implementing parking fees for their residents.
“We allow the local government to identify streets that can implement pay parking. But it should be coordinated and submitted to us,” Go said.
“Because once we receive a complaint and we find out that we did not approve the pay parking ordinance, we deem it illegal,” Go added.
He also described the parking pay ordinance as an “honest to goodness” scheme that generates income for LGUs. /cb
