‘Paskuhan sa Maynila’ bazaar opens 

Christmas bazaar ‘Paskuhan sa Maynila’ opened its doors to the public at the Mehan Garden on Tuesday, with strict health and safety protocols in place, according to a report by Philippine News Agency.

The event was organized to help businesses generate income and in turn generate jobs for Manilenyos amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic.

Bureau of Permits director Levi Facundo said that various local government agencies will coordinate to strictly enforce protocols and guarantee the safety of the public most especially those who will participate in the event and the general public that will visit the event.

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"While we are trying to boost the economy, the minimum health protocol is always in our minds. Our priority is still the safety of everyone," Facundo said.

He said tightened security measures would be strictly imposed and that they will only allow 50 percent capacity in the venue, with a misting booth placed at the entrance gate.

Among the safety protocols implemented in the event are contactless registration, submission of health declaration forms before entering Mehan Garden via a quick response (QR) code, contactless thermal temperature scanning, and the wearing of face mask and face shield.

Nightly fogging and misting of Mehan Garden will also be regularly conducted by the Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) for proper disinfection.

A virtual map of the area will also be available and may be accessed by scanning the QR code.

"We have to learn how to keep our guard in place while we continue to help our businesses boost their income and help fight poverty especially during this time of the pandemic," said Facundo.

Meanwhile, the MPD Special Mayor's Reaction Team (SMaRT) and the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau (MTPB) Covid-19 marshals will also assist in ensuring public safety and in maintaining peace and order during the event.

Traffic along the Lawton area will be managed by the MTPB and the police, while the Manila Health Department (MHD) will designate a standby team for emergency response.

‘Paskuhan sa Maynila' will run until January 2, 2021.