The Malacañang Palace has declared December 26 and January 2, as special non-working holidays under Proclamation No. 117. This is to give full opportunity to Filipinos to enjoy and celebrate the holiday vacation with their loved ones. Authorities added that “a longer weekend promotes domestic tourism and enables employers to plan their work schedules effectively and efficiently, resulting in improved productivity.”
New Year Countdown
Image: Ticketworld
Several events places in Metro Manila are holding year-end celebrations and New Year’s Countdown with fireworks display. The Grand Countdown to 2017, an annual tradition which started last year, hosted by Resorts World Manila is set to happen on December 31, at 6:00 PM. There will be a mass before the event and will be followed by dining and performances with Lea Salonga, Bamboo, Jon Santos, and more artists to grace the night.
There will also be New Year’s Countdown in Quezon City Circle, Eastwood, and Riverbanks Center Marikina on the night of December 31. A pyro-musical show also happens on December 30 at Riverbanks.
CURRENT NEWS
LTO starts distributing plastic driver’s license
Image: Daily Duterte Facebook Page
700,000 plastic driver’s licenses are now available for pick up starting December 19. The Land Transportation Office (LTO) said that drivers with pending application can claim their license card by presenting their official receipt at 36 LTO offices in Metro Manila. Claimants don’t need to pay any fee upon claiming. The public is advised to avoid any transaction with fixers who might ask for fees to claim their license.
HEALTH ADVISORY
DOH calls public to be vigilant against piccolo and other firecrackers
The Department of Health (DOH) is calling out to the public to be vigilant against firecrackers in welcoming the New Year. DOH spokesperson Eric Tayag is asking the local government units and the police to reduce the sale and use of piccolo which has been the number one cause of injuries in the previous years.
The EcoWaste Coalition is also asking for the cooperation of parents by reminding their children that firecrackers are not toys to play with. The Iwas Paputok campaign has been formally launched which aims to prevent tragic accidents, injuries, and hazardous pollution in celebrating the New Year.
WEATHER ADVISORY
Metro Manila can experience rain showers throughout the week. However, the presence of sunshine can be seen on Tuesday with a few showers until Wednesday. Those who are planning to spend the New Year’s Eve outdoors are advised to be ready in case of sudden rainfall. A cloudy sky with showers is in the forecast.
TRAFFIC ADVISORY
MMDA suspends number coding on December 29
The Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) is lifting the number coding scheme on December 29, giving the public the opportunity to use private vehicles in going home to their provinces during the holidays.
About Karen Grace Libao
Karen writes for a living and for fun. She started her writing career in 2014 when she worked as Content Manager for a women’s website and never looked back since. On her free time, she tries to catch up on her current reads, seeing independently-produced films, watching theatre plays, and attending live music and open mic gigs. She dreams of becoming a published writer and film producer in the future.
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