After a video went viral on social media.
In its post on Tuesday, December 23, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that a new covered walkway linking the major malls of Trinoma and SM North EDSA in Quezon City would be constructed soon.
The department added that it is committed to work with the operators of both malls for the construction of the link.
Transportation Secretary Giovanni Lopez noted, “Nakita natin ‘yung sitwasyon sa walkway between the two malls, at grabe talaga ‘yung dinadaanan ng mga pasahero doon. Kapag umuulan, bumabaha pa sa daanan kaya grabeng pasakit talaga sa mga dumadaan, kaya palalagyan natin ng bubong ‘yang walkway.”
The transport chief furthered that the walkway should also eventually be connected to the Grand Station being constructed in the area. This will give seamless access to LRT-1, MRT-3, and MRT-7, which is now set to be operational by 2027.
The MRT-3 management has since conducted an inspection of the existing walkway, and installed temporary cement slabs in flood-prone sections to provide safer passage for commuters during heavy rains.
“The DOTr and the MRT-3 are closely coordinating with the mall operators for the immediate construction of the covered walkway. Tututukan ng DOTr ito para malagyan ng bubong. Hindi dapat magtagal ‘yung ganitong experience ng mga pasahero,” Lopez stated.
This action comes after a video uploaded by weather forecaster Ariel Rojas of his walk along the said path while it was raining made rounds on social media.
Many commenters empathized with daily commuters who walk in the area, noting that the lack of proper infrastructure when coupled with poor weather will result to further inconvenience on their part.
