MMDA all set for Friday's traffic summit

It's all systems are go for the summit where the government and the private sector will tackle ways to address the perennial traffic problems in Metro Manila. Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Francis Tolentino said the summit will be held at the Philippine Social Science Center in Quezon City. "We are optimistic that the event will be an effective starting point to improve Metro Manila's traffic and transport system," Tolentino said in an article posted on the MMDA website. He added "the MMDA, in the spirit of enlightened and responsible governance, has joined forces with stakeholders to address perennial traffic and transport problems, enforce traffic rules and restore order in the streets." Friday's summit is considered an "entry" summit, where the participants are expected to sign a covenant affirming their commitment to improve Metro Manila's traffic and transport system. Tolentino said two more summits, including workshops, will be conducted in 2011 to complete the proposed traffic and transport plan. All the participants will list "immediate doables" to help improve the traffic situation in Metro Manila. The MMDA said the stakeholders have so far come up with the following "doables:"