Commentary
Traffic Warning WorldSkills ASEAN to Jam Pasay Roads
Motorists in Metro Manila are advised to brace for heavy traffic in Pasay City as the Philippines hosts the 14th WorldSkills ASEAN Manila 2025 from August 21 to 31.
The event, led by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), is expected to draw thousands of visitors—competitors, students, teachers, industry partners, and government representatives—creating bottlenecks around the Marriott Grand Ballroom, World Trade Center, and SMX Convention Center Manila.
Key schedules include the opening ceremony on August 25 at the Marriott, the main competitions from August 26 to 28 at the World Trade Center, and the closing ceremony on August 30 at the SMX Convention Center.
To keep traffic moving, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) will deploy at least 85 personnel to manage congestion and ensure emergency readiness. Their coverage includes major routes from Ninoy Aquino International Airport to billeting hotels, competition sites, and official venues.
The MMDA said the effort will be in close coordination with the Philippine National Police (PNP), local traffic enforcers, and other government agencies.
Officials are strongly urging motorists to avoid affected areas during event dates to prevent delays.
Official Website of LTO National Capital Region
The Land Transportation Office – National Capital Region (LTO-NCR) reminds the public to visit and use only its official website:
👉 https://www.ltoncr.com
Here are the available online services:
🔹 Plate Inquiry
- Replacement Plate (Green to White Plate)
- New Motor Vehicle and Motorcycle Plates (Released to Dealers)
- Backlog Motorcycle Plates
🔹 Driver’s License (DL) Card Inquiry – Backlog DL Cards
🔹 Announcements
🔹 Citizen’s Charter
🔹 Certificate of Registration (CR) Inquiry
🔹 Messenger Channel
✅ Always check the official website and channels for accurate updates and information.
Pasay City — The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) expressed its full support for the use of digital tools in monitoring flood control projects with the launch of the Flood Control Project Components (FCPC) under the Digital Information for Monitoring and Evaluation (DIME) initiative on Thursday at the Tripa de Gallina Pumping Station.
MMDA Chairman Atty. Don Artes, in his welcome remarks, said the system will play a vital role in addressing flooding, one of the biggest problems in Metro Manila. He noted that DIME makes it easier to determine if a project is working, allowing government to act faster and provide better protection for communities.
“This will ensure safety and well-being while promoting transparency,” Artes said, adding that the step is in line with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to digitize government processes and guarantee that public funds directly benefit the people.
The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) leads the program, which incorporates advanced technology such as satellite imaging, drones, and geotagging to track the progress of major government infrastructure projects.
DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman highlighted the importance of public involvement, encouraging citizens to share their input on projects under DIME.
The launch also included the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with various agencies: the Department of Transportation, Department of Information and Communications Technology, Department of Education, Department of Public Works and Highways, National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, Philippine Space Agency, and the Government Data Initiative.
Pasay City Mayor Emi Calixto-Rubiano, UP-NOAH Center Director Mahar Lagmay, and representatives from civil society groups joined the event to show their support.
Foodpanda Logistics has rolled out a year‑long “Ka‑panda Gasolinahan” deal with Caltex that gives partner riders a 10‑peso cut per liter at participating stations nationwide. The program is live in multiple cities and will expand to more locations soon to help riders cope with rising fuel costs and keep more of their earnings.
Rider Experience Lead Ron Sanders said the initiative began before the latest wave of price hikes and is part of broader efforts to support partner riders’ livelihoods. He added that foodpanda Logistics shoulders seven pesos of the 10‑peso discount per liter to further ease expenses.
The discount has launched across Albay, Bacolod, Batangas City, Benguet, Bulacan, Butuan, Cabanatuan, Cagayan de Oro, Calamba, Camarines Sur, Cebu, Davao, Dumaguete, General Santos, Iligan, Iloilo, Koronadal, Legazpi, Lipa, Ormoc, Palawan, Pampanga, Roxas City, San Fernando, Surigao, Tacloban, Tarlac, and Zamboanga. Cavite and Metro Manila are set to follow in the coming months.
To claim the discount, riders must secure a Caltex SavePlus card, link it to a Caltex Rewards account via the provided registration link, then present their Rider ID and card number when fueling. The discount can be applied to up to three liters per transaction.
Sanders said the registration process mirrors the platform’s streamlined onboarding to keep things simple. He noted that Foodpanda Logistics has offered similar fuel and partner perks as other brands since the pandemic era, when the rider sector experienced rapid growth.
