People enjoy the light spectacle during the unveiling of the Metro's Largest 4K 3D LED Display, as well as a Christmas themed 3D mapping show at Ayala Malls Manila Bay Central Garden Fountain on December 6. 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News 

MANILA - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority ( MMDA) and mall operators in the National Capital Region on Wednesday agreed to adjust mall hours this holiday season to alleviate traffic congestion.

MMDA officials and mall operators in NCR met in Pasig City to discuss ways to help reduce traffic in the metro in the coming months.

 MMDA chairman Atty. Romando Artes said all malls in the NCR will open by 11 am starting Nov 18. 

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Representatives of major malls expressed their willingness to follow the adjusted mall hours.

“Kung napupuna this few years, hindi na nakaka-experience ng carmaggedon - Hindi man nababawasan yung number of vehicles, na-I-spread natin sya ng mas mahabang oras, hindi nagkukumpol - normally pag naging heavy sa traffic, nag-e-extend yan beyond rush hour…we believe na hindi man mabawasan yun volume eh hindi sumusobrang tarffic, hindi nga tayo nakakaranas ng carmageddon recently,” Artes said.

But MMDA said it is up to the mall operators to extend their operating hours to accommodate last-minute mall shoppers. According to the MMDA, there are 131 malls in Metro Manila of which 29 are located along EDSA. 

Artes also announced that effective November 18 until Christmas day, all road diggings will be temporarily suspended to avoid traffic congestion in major thoroughfares. From December 26 to  January 2, 2025, the MMDA will allow road works of public utilities and DPWH 24/7. 

Based on the MMDA data, as of September, the vehicle volume count along EDSA has reached 421,000 a day. 

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Artes said the previous speed of about 20kph to 21kph along EDSA is now down to just about 19kph on the Northbound lane and around 18kph on the Southbound lane. 

”Sa ating kababayan, ine-encourage ko silang gumamit ng mass transportation, kasi mas mabilis po sila na makarating sa kanilang pupuntahan…iplanong mabuti yung ating pagbiyahe, huwag sumabay sa rush hour traffic, planunin yung araw ng paglabas. siguraduyin yung magdadala ng saakyan, nakakundisyon -  kasi recently nakikita natmin yung increase ng stalled vehicles, ito ay nakaka-contribute sa pagbigay ng traffic. Sa mga nagmamaneho, magbapon po ng mahabang pasensiya,” Artes said.

Mall operators said they would issue corresponding advisories on their social media pages to announce their final adjusted mall hours.