Christmas Bazaars, Tiangges Might Be Allowed: MMDA

Christmas bazaars and tiangges might be allowed in time for Christmas, the MMDA said Tuesday as the government eases more travel and economic restrictions.

Coordination with the Department of the Interior and Local Government is necessary should Christmas bazaars and tiangges be allowed to operate, said MMDA General Manager Jojo Garcia.

"Iyong talagang mga sale, mga tiangge ‘no puwede pong payagan iyan, of course sa pakikipag-coordinate din sa DILG ‘no kasi kung may mga tiangge may mga kalsadang isasara, kailangan nating pag-aralan po maigi iyan," he said during a public briefing.

Curfew in Metro Manila was eased to just four hours from midnight and can be further shortened to just three hours across the capital region for the traditional Simbang Gabi, Garcia said.

"By December po siguro, iuusog natin ng 12 to 3 a.m. ‘to para bigyang-daan sa December 16 iyong Simbang Gabi," Garcia said. 

Manila City has already announced a shorter curfew starting Dec. 1.

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Earlier, the government eased age-based restrictions, allowing those aged 15 to 65 to go out of their homes. Churches, mosques, and chapels in Manila were also allowed to accommodate more people--up to a third of their capacity.

But Christmas parties are still a big no, according to Garcia, since mass gatherings are seen as possible superspreaders of COVID-19.

"Madami naman pong paraan ‘no para ma-celebrate natin iyan," he said.

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Metro Manila mayors are eyeing to keep the capital region under general community quarantine until the end of the year, Garcia said. Businesses, public transport, dine-in services, and staycations are allowed under GCQ.