The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) announced that mall operating hours in the National Capital Region (NCR) will be adjusted starting November 17 in anticipation of heavier traffic during the Christmas season.
Under the new schedule, malls will open at 11:00 a.m. and close at 11:00 p.m. beginning November 17 until December 25, MMDA Chairman Atty. Romando Artes said in a press conference following a meeting with mall operators.
“Ang napagkasunduan po namin ay yun pong mall hours ay magsisimula ng 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. effective November 17 hanggang December 25,” said Artes.
“Effective po ito Monday hanggang Friday, exemptions po dito ang weekends and holidays,” he added.
The MMDA clarified that the adjusted hours apply only on weekdays, except on weekends and holidays, when regular mall schedules may still be observed.
To help ease road congestion, mall deliveries will be limited from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. only.
The agency also reminded mall operators that mall-wide sales should be scheduled only on weekends and must be coordinated with the MMDA to avoid worsening weekday traffic during the peak holiday period.