MMDA aims for 35% road crash fatality drop by 2028

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) recently gathered diverse stakeholders for the Metro Manila Road Safety Summit 2025, a crucial step in combating the alarming rise in road crashes and fatalities.

This initiative emphasizes the MMDA’s dedication to improving road user behavior, enhancing infrastructure, and enforcing stricter rules, which aligns with President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s agenda to prioritize road user safety.

MMDA Chairman, Atty. Don Artes openly recognized the profound cost of road incidents, noting their generational impact on individuals and communities. He pointed out daily dangers like reckless (kamote) driving, distracted driving (ADDA), and driving under the influence. Artes emphasized that understanding these complex causes is key to crafting solutions for safer Philippine roads.

A major outcome of the summit was the introduction of the Metro Manila Road Safety Action Plan (MMRSAP) 2024–2028. This comprehensive, multi-stakeholder strategy aims to significantly improve road safety by targeting a 35% reduction in road fatalities by 2028. Developed with the World Health Organization (WHO) and The Policy Center’s assistance, the plan uses data to identify high-risk areas (blackspots) and focuses on five pillars: road safety management, safer roads, safer vehicles, safer road users, and post-crash response.

Acting WHO Representative Dr. Eunyong Ko praised MMRSAP as a “landmark moment” for the region's road safety efforts.

Data from the Metro Manila Accident Reporting and Analysis System (MMARAS) shows an estimated 4,450 road traffic fatalities over the last decade (2013-2023), averaging 445 deaths annually. Beyond the MMRSAP, the MMDA maintains various programs, including the Motorcycle Riding Academy and ongoing infrastructure improvements. The summit concluded with stakeholders solidifying their commitments by signing a wall of pledges for enhanced road safety.