This Week in Metro Manila (July 6 to 12, 2019)

According to PAGASA, at least two to three tropical cyclones will enter the Philippine area of responsibility for the entire month of July [1]—which is why you can expect mostly rainy weather for this week. Along with the big chance of thunderstorms, expect cooler temperature during the day that will range from 31 °C to 34 °C. Meanwhile, temperatures will range from 25 °C to 25 °C [2] at night.

Bringing an umbrella everywhere is a must, along with other items for rain protection. If you live in a flood-prone area, be wary of water-borne diseases such as leptospirosis, typhoid fever, cholera, and hepatitis. Diseases like dengue are also common during rainy seasons. Make sure to observe proper hygiene and take vitamins for prevention.

Good news for students: your LRT-2, MRT, and PNR train fares would be the least of your worries since DOTr implemented free rides for students on weekdays, except holidays. Launched last July 1, the Student Free Ride program is available to students up to college level as well as those taking technical vocational courses. However, post-graduate students are not included. The LRT-1 is not part of the program since it is operated by the Light Rail Manila Corporation.

Free LRT-2 rides are free for students from 4:30 AM to 6:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. For MRT-3, free rides can be availed from 5:00 AM to 6:30 AM and 3:00 PM to 4:30 PM. Lastly, PNR rides from 5:00 AM to 6:00 AM and 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM will be free [3]. Currently, students only have to present their ID to avail of the free ride.

Heads up to frequent users of ride-sharing applications: it might be harder to book rides on July 8 due to a strike organized by transport network vehicles services (TNVS) drivers [4]. The “TNVS holiday” will start from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, which means services will go offline for 12 hours. The holiday is a protest against LTFRB’s inconsistencies regarding the application and registration progress for TNVS drivers.

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) officials announced the relocation of U-turn slots along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City and C5 Road in Parañaque City to allow the construction of the MRT-7 extension and C5 Southlink expressway project.

For those who frequently use the U-turn slot in front of a CW Home Depot on Commonwealth Avenue, you may now use the U-turn slot on Tandang Sora. The new U-turn along C5 will be adjacent to the Heritage Park in Taguig City [5].

Several airline operators in the country such as Cebu Pacific, Philippine Airlines, AirAsia, PAL Express, and CebGo have signed a pledge to commit to lessen the congestion at the NAIA. Included in this commitment are conducting reviews of flight operations to keep an eye on flight numbers, craft movement and rotation, and accountability for flight cancellations and delays. In addition, the airlines stressed responsibility for the development of mechanisms for the discipline of their staff to provide better service [6].

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