MMDA eyes solar-powered traffic lights, building sensors

The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) has started discussions with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the possible use of homegrown technology to address long-standing problems in traffic and cleanliness in the capital’s roads and waterways. MMDA chairman Francis Tolentino recently held talks with DOST officials, led by assistant secretary Robert Dizon and DOST-Science and Technology Information Institute director Raymund Liboro, to identify areas that the two agencies can jointly work on. Both sides agreed to look into the possibility of developing Filipino designed solar powered traffic signal system, speed radar guns, and rescue sensors for collapsed buildings. Meanwhile, the first Filipino designed electric-powered automated guideway transit system or AGTS is ready to roll down a 150-meter test track currently under construction at the DOST complex in Bicutan, Taguig City. Two test-chassis of the AGTS will be ready next month, said Dizon, who is supervising the AGTS design team composed of young DOST engineers with diverse engineering specializations. DOST is also expecting the completion of a longer two-kilometer demonstration rail track at the University of the Philippines in Diliman by middle of the year. “I believe that our AGTS design suits local conditions for mobility. We want to ease travel around highly populated urban centers particularly Metro Manila and the rapidly industrializing adjacent provinces," DOST secretary Mario G. Montejo said in a statement. The MMDA and DOST are also exploring the possibility of using colored plastic-asphalt mix to mark pedestrian lanes. In the area of waste management, the agencies are also looking into the possibility of developing enzyme-based process to degrade or reduce harmful chemicals in garbage. “Daily we collect thousands of tons of garbage in Metro Manila, which contain residual chemicals harmful to humans and the environment", Tolentino said. To accelerate the clean up of the Pasig River and its tributaries, the DOST can also introduce bioremediation through the use of chemical waste-absorbing plants and organisms. — Newsbytes.ph