MANILA, Philippines – Starting November 14, malls in Metro Manila will be adjusting their operating hours in time for the Christmas season rush.
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| MMDA is preparing for the Christmas rush by adjusting mall hours | Photo Courtesy: ABS-CBN |
The announcement was made by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Tuesday, November 8. In anticipation of the traffic brought about by an influx of mall goers and shoppers for the holiday season, MMDA ordered malls in Metro Manila to adjust their operating hours.
Hence, starting next week, the new mall schedule will be from 11:00 AM to 11:00 PM. This will take effect starting November 14 until January 6, 2023.
MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said the initiative was really meant to help manage the expected traffic congestion. He said, “Starting November 14, malls in NCR will operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. instead of their usual operating hours. We have to implement remedial measures to reduce traffic congestion.”
More measures to manage the traffic include holding mall sales only during weekends while purchase deliveries will only be between 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for food and groceries. Any sales and promo activities must be informed to the MMDA two weeks before the events, along with their traffic management plans.
Artes explained that the time adjustment will benefit not just shoppers but also mall employees. He said, “Malaking tulong po ‘yan kasi sa public transport. ‘Yung mga empleyado ng malls imbis nakikipagsiksikan sila during rush hour, ma-adjust ‘yung oras ng biyahe nila, ganoon din ‘yung ibang mamimili.”
According to the MMDA official, they will still observe if there’s a possibility for the restrictions to be lifted, if the traffic becomes manageable. He added, “We will observe the traffic situation in the metropolis on December 26. If the traffic is normal and manageable, we will immediately lift the restrictions and announce it to the public.”
These adjustments aren’t new anymore as MMDA already implemented the same initiative last year during the Christmas season.
— Sally, The Summit Express
