This Week in Metro Manila (July 27 to August 2, 2019)

As August approaches, thunderstorms will be more frequent in Metro Manila. According to weather forecasts, thunderstorms are likely to occur from noon to evening. When it is not raining, expect cloudy skies all over Metro Manila. Overall, chances for sunshine are low. The temperature is predicted to range between 31 °C to 33 °C during the day and 25 °C to 27 °C at night [1].

When going out, bring umbrellas, rain coats, and other items for rain protection. To be updated on the weather, watch the news and monitor the social media pages of DOST-PAGASA for announcements. In case you’re flying and there are heavy downpours, check flight cancellation announcements from the social media page of your airline.

Portions of the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 and C5 South Link are now open for motorists. The section of the Skyway Stage 3 that will be open is Section 1 from Buendia to Plaza Dilao ramp. For C5, the South Link Segment 3A-1 from Merville to C5 is now operational.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar stated that the Skyway Stage 3 Section 1 is not fully complete but two lanes (north and southbound) would be open to ease the congestion on the main roads in the area [2].

Heads up for motorists in Quezon City: the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will close five lanes of the Quezon City Elliptical Road for road repairs. The said repair works are for improving roads during typhoon season.

The repair works will happen one after another, according to DPWH. Lanes will be closed from 11:00 PM on Fridays until 5:00 AM on Mondays. The completion of the project is expected to take a year [3].

Grab Philippines added a new feature where passengers with pets are allowed to be transported. This new feature is in compliance with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) Memorandum Circular 2010-019.

Called GrabPets, the new feature allows owners to take dogs, cats, hamsters, rabbits, fish, and turtles in the ride. Conditions apply for each pet. Dogs are required to be leashed or with muzzle; cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters should be crated; fish should be sealed in a bag or confined in an enclosed fish tank; and turtles should be inside a closed container. Only one large pet or two medium pets can ride per unit and can be accompanied by up to four persons [4].

The Department of Health (DOH) declared a national health emergency due to the alarming number of dengue cases reported in the country. As of the first seven months of 2019, there has been an increase in fatality from dengue. Compared to 2018, deaths in 2019 are 155 higher. There has also been a 22% increase of dengue cases compared to the previous year.

As a way to prevent dengue, make sure to wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants in mosquito-infested areas. Practice other precautions like applying mosquito-repellent lotions, avoiding areas with stagnant water, and using a mosquito net at night [5].

For more travel updates and news on Metro Manila, check out Yoorekka.