The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that shopping malls in Metro Manila can operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. for the Christmas season, and has also unveiled its traffic management measures for the observance of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
MMDA Acting Chairman Don Artes said the extended mall hours, which will take effect from November 13, 2023, to January 8, 2024, are meant to support the economy and provide more convenience to shoppers.
Artes urged mall operators to coordinate with the MMDA and submit their traffic management plans two weeks before their mall sales and other promotional events. He said mall-wide sales will only be allowed on weekends, and mall deliveries will only be allowed at night, from 11 p.m. to 5 a.m.
For the upcoming holidays of All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day on Nov. 1 and 2, respectively, the MMDA will activate its ‘Oplan Undas 2023’ on October 27.
The MMDA will deploy 1,448 traffic enforcers and other personnel from different MMDA offices in key areas in Metro Manila to manage traffic, conduct cleanup operations, provide public assistance, and clear roads of obstructions.
The MMDA will also enforce a no day off, no absent policy among its personnel during Undas.
The Road Emergency Group will set up public assistance centers with tents and ambulances near major cemeteries, while the Metro Parkways Clearing Group will focus on cleaning up the areas around cemeteries.
The MMDA Communications and Command Center will monitor the traffic situation in Metro Manila 24/7.
