This Week in Central Luzon (January 23 to 29, 2021)

President Rodrigo Duterte announced last December 28, 2020 that Pampanga,along with all provinces in Central Luzon, will remain under modified general community quarantine or MGCQ until January 31, 2021. Residents are still required to wear face masks and shields when going outside, observe regular hand sanitation, and practice social distancing.

Under the MGCQ, those below 15 years old and over 65 years old, pregnant women, and with health risks are not allowed to leave their homes. Mall operations are allowed but under certain conditions; movement of people are still limited to buying essentials, goods, and work in permitted industries; mass gatherings are still limited to 50% capacity; and non-contact sports and activities are allowed. [1]

Meanwhile, under GCQ are Metro Manila and the provinces of Batangas, Isabela, Davao del Norte, and Lanao del Sur, as well as the cities of Santiago, Davao, Iligan, Iloilo, and Tacloban.

The New Clark International Airport finally reopened its new passenger terminal which has a design capacity for 8 million passengers per year. The new terminal is 1.5 kilometers from the existing passenger terminal and serves both domestic and international flights. The boarding gates for each flight are also color-coded, and it has 4 floor levels, 18 aero bridges, and a floor area total of 110,000 square meters.

The interiors of the vital sections of the new airport showcase the beauty of Mt. Pinatubo and Sacobia riverbed. Passengers will also be able to see the vibrant Pampanga parol (star lantern) hanging in the central Airside Retail Area. All in all, the new terminal building is a fusion of Central Luzon’s pride and heritage. [2&3]

Go to Yoorekka for more COVID-19 updates in Central Luzon.