This Week in Metro Manila (February 15 to 21, 2020)

The weather will be generally pleasant in Metro Manila for the entire week. Most parts of the days will be cloudy and dry, with the presence of cold winds due to the northeast monsoon. Day temperature will be ranging from 29 °C to 32 °C while nighttime will be colder with 22 °C to 23 °C. Rainfall is possible on Friday, but the majority of the week will be cloudy [1]. Those planning to do outdoor activities should bring umbrellas and other rain protection. Jackets and sweaters will be ideal wear for the entire week.

Starting February 16, only Class 1 vehicles will be allowed on the elevated Skyway. Class 1 vehicles include cars, vans, pickups, SUVs, and other similar vehicles. Buses and delivery vans can use the expressway underneath. This move was implemented to prevent more traffic buildup as several lanes would be closed along the southern portion of the Skyway due to reconstruction. There is also a new rerouting policy that aims to alleviate the expected effects of roadworks in Paranaque [2].

The San Juan City Government has rolled out electric tricycles in Greenhills as an alternate means of transportation for the public. The vehicles started to operate last February 5 and can accommodate up to 12 passengers. The fare for each trip is PhP9. San Juan Mayor Francis Zamora assured the public that more units of the e-trikes will be unveiled [3].

The Philippine Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) memorandum circular no. 2019-019, which allows passengers to bring their pets in public utility vehicles (PUVS), has been updated. According to the recent development, pets can now ride beside their owners in PUVS. They will be charged a regular commute fare. Guidelines for safety and cleanliness are also imposed: pets must wear diapers, should be free from foul odor, and should be placed inside proper carriers and pet bags. Only small to medium range pets will be allowed in PUVs.

In an effort to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus (nCoV), the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) will limit the issuance of visitor passes. Exceptions to the visitor pass would be medical patients and emergency cases, unaccompanied pregnant women, minors, and seniors, and persons with disability.

The MIAA also advises the public to avoid coming in big groups when meeting and sending off travelers at airports. In addition, friends and families of passengers should avoid bringing children, elders, individuals with medical conditions and weak immune system [5].

Visit Yoorekka for more updates and suggestions on things to do on Metro Manila.