Commentary
Traffic Warning WorldSkills ASEAN to Jam Pasay Roads
Motorists in Metro Manila are advised to brace for heavy traffic in Pasay City as the Philippines hosts the 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 from August 21 to 31.
The event, led by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), is expected to draw thousands of visitors—competitors, students, teachers, industry partners, and government representatives—creating bottlenecks around the Marriott Grand Ballroom, World Trade Center, and SMX Convention Center Manila.
Key schedules include the opening ceremony on August 25 at the Marriott, the main competitions from August 26 to 28 at the World Trade Center, and the closing ceremony on August 30 at the SMX Convention Center.
To keep traffic moving, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will deploy at least 85 personnel to manage congestion and ensure emergency readiness. Their coverage includes major routes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to billeting hotels, competition sites, and official venues.
The MMDA said the effort will be in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), local traffic enforcers, and other government agencies.
Officials are strongly urging motorists to avoid affected areas during event dates to prevent delays.
The Manila International Auto Show returns from April 9 to 12, 2026, as Worldbex Services International confirms the next edition of the country’s biggest automotive event at the World Trade Center Metro Manila. Now entering its 21st year, MIAS carries the theme “Powering Mobility” as it continues to anchor conversations around innovation, performance, and the direction of the automotive industry.
Organizers said MIAS 2026 builds on the momentum of last year’s milestone event, which marked the show’s 20th anniversary and drew more than 170,900 visitors. The 2025 edition featured over 145 exhibitors across 33,000 square meters of exhibit space, with more than 310 cars, trucks, and motorcycles on display. WSI said the upcoming show aims to raise the bar further with a larger platform and expanded showcases for both industry players and enthusiasts.
At the center of MIAS 2026 is the Mobility Marathon, a series of scheduled vehicle launches where participating brands will unveil new models and technologies to the public. These launches will be supported by the Test Drive Avenue, allowing visitors to experience selected vehicles on site.
Other key attractions are set to return, including the Truck Zone, which features commercial vehicles of varying sizes, and the Die-Cast Car Collection, which highlights rare and collectible scale models. The Car Club Display will also bring together automotive groups from around the country, showcasing privately owned vehicles ranging from restored classics to modern builds.
Signature events remain part of the program. The MIAS Petron Custom and Classic Car Competition will once again recognize standout customized and classic vehicles across multiple categories. The Ms. MIAS pageant also returns, featuring representatives from participating automotive brands.
WSI said MIAS continues to position itself as a platform that connects manufacturers, suppliers, and the public while reflecting the industry’s ongoing shift toward new mobility solutions. MIAS 2026 runs from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily and is organized for the benefit of the ABS-CBN Foundation Inc.
Honda Philippines Inc. has reinforced its road safety advocacy through activities held at Don Bosco Elementary School and Don Bosco National High School in Parañaque.
The initiative was led by the Honda Safety Driving Center through its Kids on Safety and Students on Safety programs. School officials and Honda representatives attended a short ceremony at the Don Bosco Elementary School basketball court to mark the activity.
A certificate of appreciation was presented to Honda Philippines Inc. in recognition of its continued support in promoting proper road behavior among students. School leaders and Honda officials said early education plays a key role in developing safer road habits.
The Kids on Safety session focused on younger learners. Students were introduced to basic road safety concepts such as pedestrian discipline, traffic sign recognition, safe commuting habits, and the importance of wearing protective gear. The session included a road safety film, an interactive discussion, and a push bike mini skills challenge. Participants wore helmets and protective pads as they applied what they learned.
In the afternoon, the program continued with Students on Safety for senior high school learners at Don Bosco National High School Parañaque. Around 180 students joined the seminar, which covered motorcycle safety, traffic signs, pedestrian awareness, defensive driving principles, and everyday road situations.
Honda Philippines Inc. said the programs reflect its goal of promoting road safety across different age groups. By working with schools, the company aims to help students develop practical knowledge and a safety-first mindset that they can carry beyond the classroom.
Motorists heading to or passing through Manila this week should plan ahead as major road closures and traffic rerouting take effect for the 2026 Feast of the Black Nazarene.
The Manila City government, led by Mayor Francisco Isko Moreno Domagoso, has rolled out traffic measures to manage the large crowds expected for Nazareno activities, including the Traslacion on January 9.
Early closures around Luneta
According to the Manila Public Information Office, partial road closures around Quirino Grandstand began on January 6 in connection with the Pahalik rites. Katigbak Parkway and South Road are limited to one lane, with the opposite lane reserved for vehicles bound for Manila Hotel and H2O Hotel. Portions of Independence Road are also temporarily closed.
Full closures ahead of the procession
Traffic disruptions are expected to intensify on the evening of January 8, ahead of the main procession from Quirino Grandstand to Quiapo Church.
The city said full closures will be implemented progressively along key roads as the procession moves. These include Bonifacio Drive, Roxas Boulevard, Taft Avenue, Padre Burgos Avenue, Finance Road, Maria Orosa Street, Ayala Boulevard, Quezon Boulevard, Legarda Street, C. Palanca Street, Romualdez Street, Jones Bridge, and MacArthur Bridge.
Rerouting schemes in place
To ease congestion, authorities have set up detailed rerouting plans.
Southbound vehicles from Mel Lopez Boulevard or R-10 bound for Roxas Boulevard will be diverted through Capulong Street, Yuseco Street, and Lacson Avenue. Vehicles from España Boulevard heading to Quezon Boulevard will be rerouted via N. Reyes Street and C.M. Recto Avenue.
Northbound vehicles from Roxas Boulevard going toward Padre Burgos Avenue will be redirected through U.N. Avenue, P. Guanzon Street, and Mabini Bridge. Separate routes are assigned for trucks, trailers, and light vehicles, particularly near the procession route and port areas.
Traslacion route on January 9
The Traslacion will begin at dawn on Friday, January 9, at Quirino Grandstand. The procession will pass through Katigbak Drive, Padre Burgos Avenue, Finance Road, Ayala Bridge, Palanca Street, Quezon Boulevard, Arlegui Street, and several streets in the Quiapo area before ending at Quiapo Church.
With millions of devotees expected to join, authorities advised motorists to avoid Manila or postpone non essential travel on January 9.
City officials said the traffic measures aim to ensure public safety and maintain order during the religious events. Motorists are encouraged to monitor official advisories and plan alternative routes during the Nazareno festivities.
