Manila City’s “Village of lights and sounds” will open to the public Tuesday, Dec. 1 as part of the city's Christmas celebration.
The “Paskuhan sa Maynila” event at the Mehan Garden was organized by the Manila Bureau of Permits and the Department of Tourism, Culture, and Arts of Manila in a bid to generate more jobs and help businessmen recover from their losses.
The “Paskuhan sa Maynila” will be open to the public from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m.
According to Bureau of Permits Director Levi Facundo, about 200 jobs will be created as 60 exhibitors will participate in the event that will run until January 2. Among those who will join the bazaar are Excelente Ham, Tinapayan, Lapid’s Chicharon and BBQ, Unisilver and Havaiana’s.
Facundo added that the project is in line with the directive of Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso to help businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Ito po ay parte ng ating adhikain na lumikha ng mas maraming trabaho at tulungan ang ating mga negosyanteng makabangon sa gitna ng kinakaharap ng pandemya (This is a part of our goal to create more jobs and help businessmen recover in the midst of the pandemic),” Domagoso wrote on Facebook Monday.
“Huwag po kayong mag-alala, mahigpit po ipatutupad ng inyong Pamahalaang Lungsod ang health protocols upang siguraduhin ang inyong kaligtasan laban sa sakit na COVID-19 (Don't worry, your City Government will strictly enforce health protocols to ensure your safety against COVID-19),” he added.
The city government will provide serology testing for all the exhibitors participating at the bazaar. Face masks and face shields will also be provided for both sellers and guests.
Health protocols such as the placing of misting booths and contactless health declaration upon entry, scanning of body temperature, and providing handy-sized alcohols will be implemented.
Observance of 50 percent capacity in the venue, one entrance and one exit policy, and social distancing will be implemented. Medical assistance and ambulance from the Manila Risk Reduction Management Office will be on standby within the premises.
“Our priority is still the safety of everyone. We just have to learn how to keep our guard in place while we continue to boost the economy and help fight poverty especially during this time. Kailangan talaga higpitan ang health protocols at sariling disiplina,” Facundo said.