This Week in Metro Manila (December 25 to 31, 2021)

Firecracker ban is strictly enforced

By: Denisse Shawntel Tan | December 25, 2021

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Metro Manila, along with other places in the Philippines, is celebrating the Christmas holiday and the coming New Year this week! However, the National Capital Region (NCR) will strictly enforce a firecracker ban during the New Year celebration. Rules are less strict during the last week of the year as Metro Manila remains under Alert Level 2 until New Year’s Eve.

In addition, the LRT and MRT management announced their schedule for Christmas and New Year. As for health concerns this holiday season, OCTA Research Group concludes that NCR is at low risk for COVID-19.

Lockdown News

Firecracker ban strictly enforced during Christmas holiday season and New Year’s Eve.

The National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO) announced that they would be strictly enforcing a firecracker ban in Metro Manila as New Year’s Eve nears, according to NCRPO director Maj. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. last December 16 [1]. Although Danao didn’t further the firecracker ban, he adds that pyrotechnic devices are still allowed, and only firecrackers are banned.

In addition to these, NCRPO will also monitor checkpoints and provide roving patrols all over Metro Manila to protect the public from possible terrorist attacks and other security threats this holiday and New Year’s Eve.

Along with firecrackers, NCRPO also reminds motorists that open pipe mufflers are prohibited in Muntinlupa City this New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. Those who will violate the law will be fined PhP2,500 and apprehended. The city also bans both firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices. Violators will be fined PhP1,000 to PhP5,000.

Metro Manila remains under Alert Level 2 until the end of 2021

Metro Manila will remain under Alert Level 2 during Christmas until the end of the year; the National Task Force announced last December 20 [2]. According to the vaccine czar Secretary Galvez Jr, the decision for the alert level is due to the low level of hospitalization and cases in Metro Manila. The Philippines continuously sees a decline in COVID-19 cases. However, Galvez adds that Filipinos should not be too complacent as the Omicron variant is still a threat.

This Week in Metro Manila (December 25 to 31, 2021), christmas

Transportation News: LRT and MRT schedules for the holiday season

To assist commuters this Christmas holiday season and New Year’s Eve, train operators in the country announced their respective trips scheduled for December 24 and December 31 [3].

LRT-1
December 24
● 4:30 AM first train
● 8:00 PM last train Baclaran
● 8:15 PM last train Balintawak

December 31
● 4:30 AM first train
● 7:00 PM last train Baclaran
● 7:15 PM last train Balintawak

Christmas Day and New Year’s Day will have regular service hours.

LRT-2
December 24
● 5:00 AM first train for both end-to-end station travels
● 8:00 PM last train for both end-to-end station travels

December 31
● 5:00 AM first train for both end-to-end station travels
● 7:30 PM last train for both end-to-end station travels

January 1
● 6:00 AM first train
● 8:30 PM last train Antipolo
● 9:00 PM last train Recto

MRT-3
December 24 and 31
● 4:40 AM first train North Ave
● 7:45 PM last train North Ave
● 5:26 AM first train Taft Ave
● 8:31 PM last train Taft Ave

December 25 to January 1
● 6:30 AM first train North Ave
● 9:30 PM last train North Ave
● 6:30 AM first train Taft Ave
● 10:16 PM last train Taft Ave

Travel Updates: MMFF returns to cinemas

The anticipated annual Metro Manila Film Festival (MMFF) will be returning to the big screens this Christmas holiday season 2021 now that movie theaters can operate in Metro Manila due to the alert level status [4]. Moviegoers must follow standard health safety protocols in cinemas, like strictly wearing face masks. No food shall be allowed inside the cinema.

This Week in Metro Manila (December 25 to 31, 2021), new year

Health News: OCTA Research concludes Metro Manila low risk during the holiday season

According to the OCTA Research group, Metro Manila will remain low risk against COVID-19 even during the expected flux of people and crowds this holiday season. [5] Across all cities and local governments in Metro Manila, there are lower recorded test positivity rates at 0.6 percent. However, among these LGUs, only Pateros recorded zero new COVID-19 cases; the rest recorded one to 15.

Holiday Events: December 25 is Christmas; December 31 is New Year’s Eve

December 25 is Christmas Day. During this time, there is no work or school for everyone. Malls will be open but follow an adjusted schedule. This week will also be the New Year’s Eve celebration on December 31, where many anticipate spectacular fireworks.

Visit Yoorekka Magazine for more travel and COVID-19 updates and guidelines in Metro Manila!

All details and information in this article are true and accurate as of the publication date. However, while we are making our utmost effort to keep our content as up-to-date as possible, the condition surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic continues to be unpredictable, and the situation develops rapidly. Hence, some information and recommendations may have changed since this article was published. For the latest advice, visit DOH and your LGU's official websites.

Sources:
[1] https://bit.ly/3mumkTr
[2] https://bit.ly/3FnpyQh
[3] https://bit.ly/3H5W3mh
[4] https://bit.ly/3pi6NIi
[5] https://bit.ly/3qlQ0TP

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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 🗽.

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Disclaimer: All articles in the Consumers Magazine of Yoorekka are for general information and entertainment purposes only. Although careful research has been made in writing them, Yoorekka does not make any warranty about the completeness and accuracy of all information presented in our articles. Our content is not intended to be used in place of legal, medical, or any professional advice.