World · Philippines Bureau
Metro Manila malls to shorten hours through year-end to cut holiday congestion
Shopping centers across Metro Manila will operate on restricted hours from mid-November through Christmas to alleviate traffic congestion during the busy holiday season. The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority coordinated the arrangement with mall operators to balance business needs with traffic management.
LSN Philippines ·
Metro Manila's major shopping centers will operate from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. on weekdays beginning November 16 through December 25, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority announced Wednesday. The shortened hours represent a coordinated effort between the MMDA and mall operators to mitigate traffic volume during the peak holiday shopping period. MMDA Chair Don Artes said the agency worked with shopping mall management to reach the consensus on adjusted operating times. The move aims to reduce congestion on major thoroughfares typically clogged by holiday shoppers and commuters during conventional business hours. The MMDA did not specify whether weekend and holiday hours would differ from the weekday schedule under the arrangement.