This Week in Metro Manila (November 7 to 13, 2020)

Registration at off-site caravans for the EasyTrip RFID stickers that will be used as contactless payment for tollways are now fully booked for 2020 [2]. Following an overwhelming response to this program, the Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) announced that the RFID caravan will only be processing requests that they received until October 29. However, the MPTC is currently preparing its online RFID reservation and appointment system that will start on November 15.

The MPTC is also planning to release more caravans in other cities due to the numerous requests from other local government units. To make sure that the supplies will meet the demands, the MPTC will resume caravans in January 2021. To accommodate new cars and vehicle owners and drivers who live far from the installation sites, the RFID installation will continue beyond December 1, which is the established date for the implementation of the cashless tollway payments.

There are now 2,000 more UV Express units allowed by the Department of Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in 20 Metro Manila routes starting November 3 [3]. According to LTFRB, there are now 6,755 UV Express vehicles that are now operating at 118 routes. Some of the routes are as follows:

• Robinsons Novaliches to Vito Cruz and Buendia

• Karuhatan to North Road Rail Station Terminal

• Karuhatan to SM North EDSA/Trinoma

• Rosario to McKinley Hills

• San Bartolome to MRT North Avenue Station

• San Roque to Commonwealth Market

• SM Fairview to Buendia and TM Kalaw

• SM North CIT to TM Kalaw

• SM South Mall to Quiapo

• Sto. Niño to Ayala and Ortigas Center

• Sucat to Lawton

• Southmall to Lawton

• Tandang Sora to TM Kalaw

• Rodriguez to Araneta and Cubao

• Trinoma to Robinsons Novaliches

• Montalban Central Terminal to Cubao Central Terminal

Operating UV Express units are required to follow the standard safety protocols and to download QR codes. Units must also have a personal passenger insurance policy under the Memorandum Circular 2020-066 [3]. Fare hikes are also prohibited. Those who will violate the rules will be fined and have their permits revoked.

The newly passed Ordinance No. 819 series of 2020 of Valenzuela City allows back-riding on tricycles as long as plastic barriers will be placed between the driver and passenger. Besides the plastic barrier, both driver and passengers must also wear face shields and face masks. However, only one passenger is allowed inside the side car. For the fare, passengers must pay Php12 for the first kilometer and an additional PhP2 for every subsequent kilometer. The fare for special trips are PhP24 for the first kilometer; PhP4 will be added for every succeeding kilometer [4].

The Department of Foreign Affairs’ (DFA) travel bulletin reports that 54 countries out of 198 countries worldwide lifted travel restrictions for Filipinos. However, the countries subject visitors to strict medical protocols, and trips will depend on the available flights [5]. The DFA also advised tourists to secure the travel requirements that are recommended by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) such as travel and health insurance, confirmed round trip tickets, and a declaration from the Bureau of Immigration (BI) for acknowledgement of travel risks. Lastly, the DFA also advised travelers to check ahead their travel dates since they are subject to changes [5].

A new app can help residents shop for premium products without leaving their homes [6]. The app, Pick.A.Roo, lets shoppers pick curated items like home essentials, gadgets, groceries, food, and mom and baby needs. Stores that can be checked at the app include Landers, Mothercare, Faceshop, Designer Blooms, Digital Walker, Beyond the Box, Hilton, Robinsons, Shangri-La, Farmer’s Market, Parenting Emporium, and Gourdo’s.

The app also features several popular food establishments such as Wildflour, Ben’s Cookies, and The Grid. Michelin-approved restaurants such Hawker Chan, Kam’s Roast, and Tim Ho Wan are also available on the app. Pick.A.Roo is available for Android and iOs devices. As of November 4, the app only serves customers in Antipolo, Cainta, Bacoor, and Metro Manila [6].

Metro Manila’s biggest quarantine facility is now open at Marikina City. The quarantine facility has a 136-bed capacity, and it will serve as an isolation center for COVID-19 patients in the city. The facility also features isolation rooms made from 37 converted container vans that are fully-equipped with beds, air conditioning system, and comfort rooms. Other rooms in the facility include rooms for medical staff, equipment, and workers [7].

Go to Yoorekka for more COVID-19 updates in Metro Manila.