This Week in Metro Manila (April 23 to 29, 2018)

Expect the sizzling summer heat to drag on as the temperature reaches a maximum of 35 °C and a minimum of 34 °C. [1] Since the heat might be unbearable, make sure to only wear clothing made from light fabrics such as cotton. Also, make sure to stay hydrated by drinking tons of water. Before heading outside, bring an umbrella for UV ray protection and put on sunscreen to protect your skin.

Uber has officially stopped its operations in the country last April 16 following orders from the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB). The company has entered in a merger with Grab, and even as Uber has closed, the deal is still undergoing review by authorities [2].

Meanwhile, for commuters taking the Metro Rail Transit (MRT), make sure to behave. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) announced that they will press civil criminal charges against riders who will disrupt train operations [3]. Prohibited actions include leaning or forcibly opening the doors.

Major airline companies anticipate a slow down on tourism now that Boracay, one of the most sought-after destinations in the country, will be closed for six months. To compensate, Philippine Airlines (PAL) announced that they will be increasing their flights to other tourist spots in the country such as Siargao, Coron, Camiguin, and Butuan. Under the plan, PAL will also prioritize their new hubs in Davao, Cebu, and Clark by increasing flights to the said areas [4].

The Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) is now ready for summer vacationers. In a press release, they announced that they have taken the necessary precautions to ensure that they are well-equipped in accommodating customers this season. Besides having the capacity to assist the expected influx of customers, they also repaired defective coils and installed stand-alone air conditioner units at NAIA Terminal 3. [5]

Meanwhile, Cebu Pacific secured an International Air Transport Association (IATA) operational safety accreditation after fully complying with the Operational Safety Audit. IATA’s accreditation is considered as one of the highest standards for safety in the airline industry [6].