Railways, PUVs ready for commuters as Metro Manila shifts to GCQ

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The railways sector and operators of various public utility vehicles to include UV express units, taxis, buses and modern as well as traditional public utility jeepneys (PUJs) have expressed readiness to serve commuters once Metro Manila shifts to general community quarantine (GCQ).

With Metro Manila shifting to a GCQ status, the MRT-3 line is ready to dispatch 16 Czech-built CKD train sets and 2 China-built Dalian train sets on a daily basis.

The LRT-1 line, meanwhile, is prepared to dispatch on weekdays 24 train sets for the morning peak hours, 18 train sets for the off-peak hours, and 24 train sets during the afternoon peak hours.

The LRT Line 2 will be deploying 5 trains sets daily.

For its part, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) is ready to deploy 10 train sets on a daily basis.

To complement the train services which will be on limited capacity to conform to the physical distancing measure, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) has authorized the operation of additional traditional PUJs and UV Express (UVE) vehicle units.

For traditional PUJs, the LTFRB has allowed the operation of additional 4,498 units in 60 routes. This is on top of the 7,945 authorized units in 66 routes as of July 29, and thus brings the total number of authorized traditional PUJs to 12,443 in 126 routes.

An additional 4 routes with 641 units have been authorized for UV Express, which totals to 1,621 the number of authorized UVEs in 51 routes to hit the Metro streets once GCQ is enforced.

There will also be 3,662 public utility buses (PUBs) that will help ferry commuters in 31 routes across Metro Manila.

In addition, 716 modern public utility jeepneys (PUJs) will be operating in 45 routes; 364 units for Point-to-Point (P2P) buses in 33 routes; 20,493 taxis will be available to transport passengers; and 23,776 transport network vehicle service (TNVS) units will ply the Metro.

With the reopening of public transportation services during the GCQ, the DOTr reminds passengers that strict health and safety protocols will be enforced to help curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

Commuters are reminded that the “No face mask and no face shield, no ride” policy will be strictly enforced in all sectors of public transportation —Road, Railways, Maritime and Aviation—as mandated by DOTr and which has been effective since 15 August in areas where public transport is allowed.

Strict physical distancing will also be implemented onboard public utility vehicles, terminals, in rail line facilities and aboard trains to prevent the transmission of COVID-19. Passengers must follow the marking in PUV terminals, stations and onboard PUVs and trains. Train marshals and law enforcers will guide and ensure that the protocols are being observed.

Commuters are also encouraged to practice regular sanitation and disinfection procedures, using footbaths, available wash stations and hand sanitation supplies. Further, passengers will also have to accomplish contact tracing and health declaration forms before entering the rail stations and terminals.

All passengers will have to undergo body temperature check before entering the terminal and stations, as well as boarding vehicles and trains. For the MRT-3, LRT Line 2 and PNR, passengers with a body temperature of 37.8 degrees Celsius and above will not be allowed to enter the rail station, while for LRT1, the threshold is 37.6 degrees Celsius.

At the PNR, the strict health checks will be enforced in its stations and trains. Once inside the station, passengers will proceed to a sanitation station and their body temperature will be checked using a CCTV-based mass thermal scanner.

All passengers are enjoined to refrain from talking and using cell phones and other communications device while inside the train to avoid the spread of respiratory droplets which may carry the virus.

To help protect the health of the riding public, strict health and safety measures are being implemented by transport authorities such as the wearing of full personal protective equipment (PPE) for frontline employees; disinfection of trains at every half-loop, and of vehicle units after every trip or every 2 hours; disinfection of frequently touched surfaces in stations and terminals, and onboard trains and PUV units; and encouraging the use of contactless/online payment systems.

At the rail lines, employees will also have to undergo COVID-19 testing before returning to work. The management will also be conducting daily symptom check, and will immediately place in quarantine employees who will show any COVID-19 symptom.

WWF-PH and GCash team up for a special environmental episode of #GCashTalksLive

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In an effort to further promote World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines and leading mobile wallet app GCash’s collaborative effort for the reforestation of the Ipo Watershed, Miss Earth 2017 and WWF-PH Advocate Karen Ibasco and WWF-Philippines Forests for Water Project Manager Paolo Pagaduan headlined the latest #GCashTalksLive webisode last July 24, 2020.

Hosted by Dana Sianghio and Ted Lee of GCash, the show encouraged viewers to utilize the mobile app’s 'green' feature called GCash Forest, which lets subscribers plant virtual trees that will have real-life counterparts.

Aside from discussing information about the tree species available for planting in the app, Pagaduan also explained how WWF-PH and GCash administer assisted natural regeneration and enrichment planting to restore the forest surrounding Ipo Watershed.

“When we say we plant trees, we actually don’t just plant trees. Tree planting is just 10% (of the work); 90% of it is actually nurturing or growing or making sure the trees grow taller and provide the benefits for us. Some call it tree nurturing, tree growing, or tree mothering—but the point is it’s not a one-day event that you go to a site, take pictures, and that’s it. It takes more effort to make sure that trees grow. It takes a lot of reinforcement, maintenance, and monitoring”, says Pagaduan.

Meanwhile, Ibasco shared her environmental conservation journey and how she utilized her platform as a beauty queen to campaign for environmental preservation by working alongside the government, the United Nations, and WWF-PH. She also encouraged viewers to use GCash as a way to reduce their carbon footprint and help Mother Nature.

“I have been part of the Panda Family for quite some time now, and one of the many things that we, in the organization, have always wanted to do is to raise awareness on issues around water and forests and how we can contribute towards long-term water security. That being said, I encourage everyone to help us #ChangeTheEnding by downloading GCash, reducing your carbon footprint by utilizing the various digital services made available through the app instead of heading out, and planting trees using GCash Forest! Even amidst these uncertain times, one thing is certain: that Mother Nature still needs help, and GCash Forest is one of the most convenient ways to plant a tree!”, Ibasco quipped.

The team wrapped up the session with an open forum where they answered viewers’ questions on the app’s GCash Forest feature and gave tips on how they can generate more green energy to plant their virtual trees. Sianghio also teased that Green Heroes and new users alike are in for a treat in the coming months, with new species to be added to the tree planting roster and the crowd-favorite Dungon Tree making a comeback in the app.

WWF-Philippines is set to launch more online campaigns and programs with our corporate partners in the months to come. Stay tuned to WWF-Philippines’ official social media pages for announcements and to find out how you can help #ChangeTheEnding for the environment.

DOH Slams Atty. Larry Gadon Over Face Mask Claim

Wazzup Pilipinas!

“If mask is really effective, how come there are more than 100,000 people afflicted with COVID? And more than 2,000 dead victims?"
- Larry Gadon

“Stupid is as stupid does.”
- Forrest Gump

Lawyer Larry Gadon, who became famous for his "bobo" remark, said face masks are ineffective as he reacted to viral photos where he was spotted wearing his face shield with a face mask taped behind it.

In October 2019, Gadon has reportedly been suspended from the practice of law for his "use of foul or intemperate language."

At that time, he was also facing at least four other disbarment complaints.

Vice President Leni Robredo also remarked “May nakita tayong model, mali po iyon. Huwag natin susundin.”

We have to thank her for the concern but I think it is a little hurtful to suggest that anyone will believe Gadon let alone follow his example. I don't think the good public deserves so low an estimation of its capacity for discernment.

Leni must be speaking to her followers....and not to those who took gasoline as mask disinfectant seriously. Some people need guidance at every turn.

Gadon’s personal choice of wearing his mask is his call. He does not impose it to anyone.

DOH issued a guidance on how to properly use masks.

The Department of Health slammed controversial lawyer Larry Gadon who recently claimed that wearing face masks outdoors can't prevent the spread of COVID-19. They are not laughing at Larry Gadon’s apparent disdain of wearing face masks, the cornerstone of the government’s fight against coronavirus.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire reacted to lawyer Larry Gadon's statement that he doesn't believe in wearing masks and that it is "only for a show".

“This is not a joking matter. People know there are those who dying, getting sick, and that the economy is suffering."

"Sino ba ‘yung huling sasalo sa magkakasakit? Hospitals are having hard time already."

However, everytime I think that maybe law school isn't for me because I'm not good, smart and skilled enough, I look at Atty. Larry Gadon and tell myself anything is possible in this world.

If Larry Gadon can pass the bar exam, then you can do whatever you put your mind to.

If Larry Gadon can’t even detect his own fallacies and ad hominems and he’s a lawyer, y’all woke bitches in law school might have a chance and be a damn better lawyer and servant than this crook.

Can everyone just please stop giving Gadon the time of day. He’s irrelevant, stupid, and ugly and I’m so tired of seeing his face on my feed.

At the risk of implicating myself I just wanna say na lahat kayong nagpakalat ng Larry Gadon memes nung sumikat siya, I blame you for giving this man some semblance of clout and bringing the average IQ of the country down several notches.

Gadon violated the health and safety protocols as set up by DOH. There are still bobos and blind citizens who mght follow the cool fashion set by Gadon, to the detriment of the health conscious public.

Regardless of Gadon's personal beliefs, the IATF requires people to wear face masks.

In July, President Rodrigo Duterte ordered the police to arrest people found not wearing them

So are we seeing any arrest soon?

Atty. Larry Gadon may be pro-admin but I must disagree with him on the mask issue. Masks are crucial. It is also important that we wear them PROPERLY and CONSISTENTLY.

No paranoia or fear. Just science.

I was just to read up on the process of disbarment because of the recent embarrassment brought upon by human disaster, Larry Gadon, but it looks like many will be beating me to it.

Another proof that titles, honorifics, or being seasoned in whatever do not guarantee human decency.

What Larry Gadon does not understand is that his decision not to wear a face mask impacts not just his OWN health but that of countless people around him.