No number-coding
The cities of Makati and Las Piñas have lifted the number-coding scheme on their localities on Nov. 2 to allow the motoring public easy access to the roads as they head back to the capital from the long holiday, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority. In a traffic advisory, the local governments of Makati and Las Pinas said it would not implement the traffic reduction scheme in anticipation of the huge droves of vehicles heading back to Metro Manila from the holiday. The number coding scheme is suspended from Oct. 31 to Nov. 2 with the two cities lifting its implementation on Wednesday next week. The traffic reduction program is automatically lifted on public holidays and other instances as deemed by the MMDA.
Miko Morelos
Customs watch on
Amid reports that illegal drugs and contraband are being shipped through mail, Customs Deputy Commissioner for Intelligence Group General Danilo Lim has mobilized all postal units under the Customs Intelligence and Investigation Service (CIIS) to strengthen monitoring and operations of all parcels entering all postal offices, ports and airports in the country to intercept syndicates profiting from illegal activities. According to CIIS Postal Unit head Alvin Enciso, they have received marching orders from General Lim to strictly enforce security procedures on all parcels, especially for those declared as regulated items such as drugs, food products and firearms. “So, far, we have been able to intercept attempts to smuggle out goods and parcels that have not undergone Customs examination and inspection,” he said.
Soroptimist goes Latin
The Soroptimist International of the Philippines region went Latin when it celebrated United Nations Day on October 22 at the Philippine Columbian Club. Soroptimist has a general consultative status for economic and social development (Ecosoc) in the UN, the highest accreditation accorded to NGOS. Only 141 NGOs worldwide hold this status.