WORKING hours for local government units in Metro Manila will be moved up to 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. starting April 15 to ease traffic congestion.

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) issued a resolution to this effect, saying the persistent traffic congestion in Metro Manila "demands innovative solutions" to improve commuting conditions.

The MMDA also encouraged national agencies in the National Capital Region (NCR) to adopt the same modified work schedule to ease traffic congestion during peak hours.

LGUs in the NCR were urged to enact their respective ordinances on the new work hours, the MMDA said.

The MMDA did not say how long the modified work hours would be in place.