Metro Manila mayors buck the holding of the traditional annual Christmas parties this year due to the continuing threat of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic in the country, according to Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) general manager Jojo Garcia.
Garcia explained during a public briefing on Thursday that the Metro Manila council, comprising 17 mayors, rejected the idea of allowing both the public and private sectors to hold Christmas parties.
“Ang talagang pinagbabawal lang ang Christmas parties,” Garcia said.
“In-encourage natin ang private sector na wala na ring Christmas party kasi dito po talaga magsisimula ang transmission ng virus dahil nga may mass gathering,” he added.
He recommended the private sectors to celebrate their annual parties via raffles, sharing bonuses, or teleconferencing calls.
“Ang importante kasi ayaw na nating bumalik sa dati,” he said.
“Maganda po ‘yung numero natin . Ang hirap naman na papayagan natin lahat ng mass gathering na ganyan, pagdating January balik na naman sa MECQ,” he added.
Metro Manila mayors have earlier recommended the extension of the general community quarantine (GCQ) status in their respective areas up to December. RJ Espartinez