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This Week in Metro Manila (October 17 to 23, 2020)
Manila implements an anti-noise ordinance.
By: Denisse Shawntel Tan | October 17, 2020
The Philippines is in 17th place of the top 20 countries with COVID-19 cases as of October 12. With the cases still increasing, the country is prioritizing measures to curb the spread of the virus such as establishing contactless ways for transportation payments and contact tracing. Local government officials also reinforced ordinances that will benefit residents. In Manila, an anti-noise ordinance is implemented to lessen disruptions in online classes. Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Council clarified that food delivery services can operate 24 hours a day.
Lockdown News
Anti-noise ordinance implemented in Manila
Officials reminded Manila residents about Ordinance 8688 or the anti-noise ordinance, which prohibits residents from using karaoke, videoke, and other sound-producing devices from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Monday to Sunday [1].
Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso stated that the anti-noise ordinance has been strictly enforced since the start of blended learning when students and teachers began online classes. Domagoso also reminded residents to report individuals who violate the ordinance. The fine and penalties for violators are not indicated.
Traffic News
DOTR: BeepRides card different from Beep Cards
The Department of Transportation (DOTr) clarified the difference between the BeepRides card and Beep cards. Transportation Assistant Secretary Goddess Libiran explained that the BeepRides cards are for modern jeepneys, while Beep cards are for EDSA busway and LRT and MRT trains. Libiran added that the BeepRides cards are used to pay fares for modern jeepneys that have routes in Parañaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX), Marikina, QMC Loop, and Cebu. Both cards serve as contactless payment methods that the DOTr is enforcing to lessen the spread of COVID-19 [2].
Duterte approves “one-seat-apart” policy for public transportation
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said on October 13 that the one-seat-apart rule for passengers in mass transportation has been approved after President Duterte following recommendations from the economic team [3]. The rule will be in effect along with the reinforcement of adequate ventilation, plastic barriers, and regular disinfection. Passengers must also comply with the standard health protocols set by the national task force such as wearing face masks and face shields, no talking, and no eating.
Along with the physical distancing rule, the expansion of the age bracket of people allowed to go out was also approved during the cabinet meeting. The expansion of the age range, which is currently set at 21 to 59 years old, will be given “leeway” since the proposed age bracket is 15 to 60 years old. Roque added that the Cabinet is also considering shortening curfew hours and adjusting the opening of businesses in order to boost operational capacity from 75 to 100 percent.
Travel Updates
8 NCR hotels approved for staycations
As of October 9, the Department of Tourism (DOT) certified eight hotels in Metro Manila to accommodate staycations during the general community quarantine. The hotels that will be allowed to accept staycations are the following [4]:
• EDSA Shangri-La
• Makati Shangri-La
• Shangri-La at the Fort
• Okada Manila
• Solaire Resort
• Grand Hyatt
• Nobu Hotel
• Joy-Nostalg Hotel & Suites Manila
DOT released guidelines last September that indicate only hotels with 4 or 5-star ratings will be allowed to accept staycations in GCQ areas. Eligible hotels must still apply for and acquire Certificates of Authority to Operate for Staycations (CAOS) from DOT. They must also follow the DOT and the Inter-Agency Task Force’s (IATF) safety guidelines for guest safety, which include observance of standard health protocols and a limited number of guests per room and amenities. Hotel facilities such as pools, gyms, and dining outlets are allowed to operate, but bars are still prohibited to open.
Shopping News
Agricultural products increased prices in Metro Manila
The price monitoring reports of the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Metro Manila show a price increase in several agricultural products from September to early October, while the prices for beef, carrots, ginger, cayenne pepper, calamansi, pumpkin, milk fish, cabbage, and brisket stayed the same.
Out of the 20 monitored fruits and vegetables, eleven showed a price increase: tomatoes, bananas, papayas, mangoes,garlic, Baguio beans, eggplants, cabbages, and red and white onions [5]. For meats, the price of pork ham increased by 13 percent and the price of pork belly rose by 15 percent. Both price increases are due to the African swine fever outbreak. Meanwhile, a whole chicken is now at PhP140 and galunggong (blue mackerel scad) is now at PhP200 per kilo. A kilo of imported premium rice increased by PhP2.00 per kilo, while locally milled rice is priced at PhP42 per kilo.|
Metro Manila mayors allow 24-hour operation for food deliveries
Metro Manila Council (MMC) Chairman and Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez clarified on October 12 that the approved 24-hour operation is only applicable for food delivery and not dine-in services [6]. However, MMC’s decision contradicts the memorandum of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which allows both dine-in and food deliveries to operate up to 24 hours a day in GCQ areas. Olivarez stated that the council will talk about the matter with the IATF.
Health News: Pasig City launches Pasig Pass
A new health monitoring pass is now being used by Pasig City residents to monitor COVID-19 symptoms. On October 9, Pasig City Mayor Vico Sotto urged residents to register and use the latest contact tracing method called “Pasig Pass.” Pasig Pass uses quick response (QR) codes to monitor health and improve COVID-19 response in the city. This system also lets residents and health offices conduct contactless transactions and safer contact tracing. Residents can register to get their own QR codes at the government’s website(pasigpass.pasigcity.gov.ph).
Pasig Pass is one of Pasig Health Monitor’s features. Other features include information management, a database of citizens’ medical records, and an inventory of Pasig’s health resources. Sotto ensured that the handling of the data given by the residents will be compliant with the Data Privacy Act [7].
Go to Yoorekka for more COVID-19 updates in Metro Manila.
Sources:
[1] https://bit.ly/2SUwHAL
[2] https://bit.ly/3iWcZiR
[3] https://bit.ly/3lNt0cF
[4] https://bit.ly/3k3i3TN
[5] https://bit.ly/2H3cs1a
[6] https://bit.ly/3dphhy0
[7] https://bit.ly/3dsJCDp
About Denisse Shawntel Tan
Denisse Tan is currently a work in progress: she’s an aspiring writer, artist, and fashion designer! She’s trying to figure out how to manage her time in achieving all of her goals while also taking in life as humanly possible. Aside from art, she’s a big fan of the color pink, disco music, Bratz dolls, and Genshin Impact. By age 35, she plans to travel to New York City 🗽.
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