have these lanes been effective?
It is effective in easing traffic congestion.
Highway
Traffic congestion was a principal problem in major roads and highways in the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila and other major cities. The government decided to set up some bus lanes in Metro Manila like in the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue.
odd interstate routes run primarily north and south Yes, in U.S.  generally, most north-to-south highways are odd-numbered, with the lowest numbers in the east, and the highest in the west. how are the names assigned for it? The official route log published by AASHTO , has been named "United States Numbered Highways" since its initial publication. Within the route log, "U.S. Route" is used in the table of contents, while "United States Highway" appears as the heading for each route. is this system used in any other countries? Yes, in England, and South Korea,  to name a few. does it have a separate lane for heavy vehicles like buses? Yes, some countries incorporate bus lanes onto highways.
wiki:11614555
Highway [SEP] Philippines
Traffic congestion was a principal problem in major roads and highways in the Philippines, especially in Metro Manila and other major cities. The government decided to set up some bus lanes in Metro Manila like in the Epifanio delos Santos Avenue.