Suspension of classes during SEA Games

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has recommended the suspension of classes in at least seven universities and colleges in Manila as part of its traffic management plans for the Southeast Asian (SEA) Games next month.

La Salle chancellor Br. Bernard S. Oca on Tuesday announced the development at the Manila campus "in view of activities directly connected" to the country's hosting of the SEA Games.

The approval will come from the Department of Education or the Commission on Higher Education but so far, none of the agencies has responded, MMDA spokesperson Celine Pialago said on Tuesday.

Classes and office work are likewise suspended in Benilde Manila and the Benilde Deaf School "due to the anticipated traffic conditions" during the SEA Games.

While the MMDA did not identify the schools where it had recommended the suspension of classes for the sport event, the Inquirer learned that these were the De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde, Assumption College, Arellano School and Wesleyan College, all on Taft Avenue; St. Paul College Pasig and Poveda School, both in Pasig City.

One of the schools, however, De La Salle University (DLSU), announced that there would be no classes at its campus on Taft Avenue from Dec. 2 to 7 to give way to the SEA Games. DLSU officials said they would also limit access to the campus.

During the nearly two-week games, centerpiece events, like athletics and swimming, will be held at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, while the other major sporting events – like basketball, volleyball, and weightlighting – will be conducted in Metro Manila.

She said road closures were recommended around the Rizal Memorial Coliseum, including parts of Adriatico Street and Pablo Ocampo Street.

Since the current sales ban only covers weekdays, the MMDA also recommended banning sales on weekends for malls along EDSA and other SEA games routes, including billeting and sports venues.

At the Balintawak Toll Plaza, two dedicated toll lanes will be provided for SEA Games official vehicles. These lanes will be manned by NLEX traffic personnel.

When the vehicles reach the main NLEX thoroughfare, the convoy will go along the leftmost lane.

The agency has also coordinated with the Truckers’ Association of the Philippines to prohibit trucks from plying NLEX from 11 am to 6 pm on November 30. Truck drivers will make their deliveries earlier than 11 am.

The MMDA will also deploy 2,000 men to assist the convoys along yellow lanes.