This Week in Metro Manila (February 29 to March 6, 2020)

The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced that colder mornings will persist in Luzon and Visayas as the northeast monsoon will continue to bring low temperature over the remaining weeks of February [1]. The weather bureau also sees the possibility of tropical thunderstorms entering the country in the next couple of days.

Accuweather predicts moderately warm temperature with a range of 32 to 33 °C [2]. Since changes may occur in the weather over time, follow the social media accounts of DOST-PAGASA and visit their website for announcements. Wear weather-appropriate clothes and bring umbrellas as protection against UV rays and rain.

Motorists heading to Alabang are advised to use another route as the construction of the south section of the Skyway Extension Project will have a major effect on travels around the area. Along with the construction, the South Luzon Expressway- Manila Toll Expressway Systems (SLEX-MaTES) also announced that the Bunye South Station will be closed from the public [3]. The Skyway Project construction began last February 16, 2020.

Suggested routes for private vehicles are as follows:

Class 1 to 3 vehicles headed to Bayanan, Putatan, and National Road: Take the SLEX Susana Exit Toll Plaza then turn right at Susana Heights Ave. From Susana Heights Ave, either turn left or right on National Road to get to the destination.

Class 1 vehicles bound for Skyway at-grade or Skyway-elevated: Upon reaching Alabang-Zapote Road, take Filinvest Ave. From Filinvest Avenue, enter SLEX Filinvest Northbound. For vehicles going to Skyway-elevated, use Filinvest northbound entry and keep right. Use the ramp before Sucat Interchange.

Class 1 and 2 vehicles heading to East Service Road: Make a U-turn via Alabang Viaduct ilalim (bottom) in front of Starmall.

Amidst the probation of Froehlich Tours, Inc (FTI), the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) clarified that there would be no cessation of point-to-point (P2P) bus operations in Metro Manila.

The issue with FTI, which plied the SM North EDSA-SM Megamall-Trinoma-Park Square routes, is an isolated case. LTFRB has issued a warning to the bus firm over their illegal operations despite having expired franchise. FTI can resume operations once they comply with the requirements on the renewal of Provisional Authority (PA). If caught operating, FTI’s units will be impounded. The company has voluntarily stopped their operations in the said routes [4].

Tricycles and pedicabs are no longer allowed on national highways after the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) issued Memorandum Circular 2020-036 last February 24. The memorandum aims to provide safer and clearer roads for motorists, passengers, and pedestrians. Crossing and u-turns are also off-limits to three-wheeled vehicles. Those who will violate the memorandum will be issued a show-cause order. Local Government Units (LGUs) are tasked to create routes that can be used by tricycles and pedicabs [5].

Around 600 to 800 CCTV cameras will be installed in several parts of Caloocan City as part of the government’s Safe Philippines Project initiated by DILG. Three to four camera units will be allocated in 222 locations in Caloocan. The cameras are equipped with facial recognition technology and high resolution quality that can help in capturing plate numbers in case of accidents [6].

Malls in Metro Manila are expected to participate in the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) nationwide “The 2020 Philippine Shopping Festival” which will run from March 1 to 31, 2020. The month-long festival is expected to draw tourists and allow retailers to recover losses incurred from January to February because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Shoppers can expect 15 to 70% discounts on various products from featured brands in fashion, food, furniture, beauty and wellness, and crafts industry [7].

Visit Yoorekka for more updates on Metro Manila.