Number coding lifted on Christmas, New Year

MANILA, Philippines — The number coding scheme will be suspended for five days during the Yuletide season, according to the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

The policy, also called the unified vehicular volume reduction program (UVVRP), will be lifted on Dec. 24 and 25 as well as Dec. 30, which is Rizal Day, Dec. 31 and Jan. 1, 2025, the MMDA said in an advisory yesterday.

Dec. 24 and 31 have been declared as special non-working holidays. The other dates are regular holidays.

The MMDA reminded motorists to plan their trips, follow traffic rules and exercise caution while driving.

Meanwhile, the Metro Manila Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MMDRRMC)’s Operations Center will declare a blue alert status from Dec. 23 to Jan. 6, 2025.

DRRM offices in 17 local government units in Metro Manila are expected to monitor the situation, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said.

He presided over the fourth quarterly MMDRRMC meeting on Tuesday, where local officials discussed possible incidents that might occur during Christmas and New Year revelries.

The meeting also tackled preparations for the observance of the annual traslacion or the procession of the image of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, Manila on Jan. 9, 2025, as well as earthquake drills for next year.