This Week in Metro Manila (July 18 to 24, 2016)

Franchise Asia Philippines, the biggest franchise show in Asia is set to happen on July 22 to 24 at SMX Convention Center in SM Mall of Asia. There will be an exhibit of wide array of both homegrown and international franchise brands. This event is a great venue for business networking with fellow entrepreneurs. Show starts at 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM on July 22 and 23. The show is expected to end on July 24, 6:00 PM.

The following accounts and pages can be reliable sources for up-to-the-minute updates on weather, traffic, public safety, disasters, and power interruptions.

• Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) – for traffic and flood updates.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/MMDAPH

Twitter: twitter.com/MMDA

• Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) – for transportation-related concerns and flight cancellations.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/DOTCPhilippines

Twitter: https://twitter.com/DOTCPhilippines

• Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) – for weather updates.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/PAGASA.DOST.GOV.PH

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dost_pagasa

• Manila International Airport Authority – for flight cancellations at NAIA and other flight concerns.

Twitter: twitter.com/naia_miaa

• Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines – for airport closures and resumption of operations.

Twitter: twitter.com/CAAP_Operations

Follow the Official Gazette for more government agencies and local government units’ social media pages.

Citizens are also advised to take note of the hash tags to watch out for during weather disturbances.

Starting July 18, regular white taxis will be allowed to pick up passengers from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals. It aims to reduce queuing of passengers and decongesting the four terminals. For security of passengers, the NAIA will be implementing mechanisms such as issuance of duplicate taxi slips bearing information about the non-accredited taxi to the passenger and to the dispatcher at NAIA for recording and tracing purposes.

Weather in Metro Manila will remain unstable but sunshine can be expected on weekdays with a stray of afternoon rains. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) is looking at a low pressure area (LPA) to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) within this week. Travelers going to the Philippines are advised to stay tuned for weather forecasts and updates on radio, television, and the internet or check government agencies official social media accounts for weather and travel advisories. Further, travelers are also advised to cancel flights if bad weather persists.