This Week in Metro Manila (August 14 to 20, 2017)

Residents can look forward to new roads and health measures in the capital.

By: Denisse Shawntel Tan | August 14, 2017

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Newly opened additional lanes in Quezon City promise to alleviate heavy traffic in the area, especially during the rainy days. Consumers might also encounter an increase in their electricity bills as Meralco announced their rate increase for August. The government is also stepping up to address public health concerns like HIV and unhealthy food.

Quezon City flood and traffic control project advances

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar demonstrating the project plan.

Traffic along Quezon Ave. is expected to be lighter as the Department of Public Work and Highways (DPWH) opened two new additional lanes.

The 1.1-km roads extends from Timog Ave. to Scout Albano, Quezon City. The project included a concrete box below the new service roads which increases the capacity of Anaran creek.

The project also aims to minimize flooding at the South Triangle area, lessen traffic congestion, and serve as alternate routes to EDSA and Timog Ave.

Meralco announces price hike

Consumers are to expect increase in their August electricity bill.

The Manila Electric Company (Meralco) has announced a rate increase of PhP0.1338 per kilowatt hour (kWh) for the whole month of August.

According to Meralco, the higher generation costs are a result of higher charges from power suppliers. A household that consumes at least 200 kWh can expect an adjustment of PhP26.76 in their bill for this month. Those who consume 300 kWh to 500 kWh will see an increase of PhP40.14 in their bills.

Driver’s licenses now valid up to five years

Drivers would have additional two years to use their driver’s license.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that starting September, the validity of driver’s licenses in Manila would be up to five years under Republic Act 10930.

The five-year period could be extended to 10 years if the applicant does not commit any violation. The act also seeks to establish an online license renewal system for applicants without violations.

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade further said that the distribution of new licenses for areas outside Metro Manila is yet to be planned.

Malacanang declares August as ASEAN Month

The chairmanship of the Philippines for 2017 coincides with ASEAN’s 50th foundation. (Image: ASEAN Secretariat)

Malacañang Palace has declared that starting this year, the month of August would be ASEAN Month. In addition, August 7 to August 13 would be ASEAN Week.

Government agencies are tasked to come up with programs which will bring public awareness and support for ASEAN month.

The Philippines is one of the founding countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). Pres. Duterte is the chairman of this year’s summit. ASEAN is celebrating its 50th foundation this 2017.

HIV cases increase in the Philippines

Free vaccines would be given to patients diagnosed with HIV.

New cases of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infections in the Philippines has more than doubled in the last six years, according to a report from the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS).

The Philippines has the fastest growing rate of HIV cases in Asia and the Pacific. However, the number of new infections in the Philippines is fewer than other countries in the region.

The Department of Health (DOH) is offering free medicine and outpatient services to HIV-positive patients.

Bill seeks to include ad warnings for food and drinks

A new bill aims to help consumers make healthier food choices.

AANGAT-TAYO representative Neil Abayon is proposing a new bill to include warnings in food and beverage commercials. House Bill No. 5964 aims to help the public make healthier food choices by informing them about the dangers of consuming food and drinks rich in sodium and sugar.

If implemented, advertisements would have a warning that the food or beverage has over the recommended sodium or sugar content. Consumption of these causes lifestyle illnesses such as diabetes, kidney disorders, and cardiovascular diseases.

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 🗽.

Learn more stories on:

This Week ASEAN Month ASEAN Week HIV Philippines MERALCO increase August 2017 Quezon City traffic Quezon Avenue traffic Republic Act 10930

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