Monthly Archives: August 2020

The Newly-Renovated Lagusnilad Pedestrian Underpass

Have you been to the newly rehabilitated Lagusnilad Underpass, lately? You would be amazed at how it looks now. It used to have graffiti-laden walls and dilapidated floors, but now it’s replaced by artistic murals.

Even if you were not from Manila, you would be proud to see how clean and green Lagusnilad underpass, which connects Intramuros to the Manila City Hall.

Photo credit: Dennis Gil

Manila City Mayor Francisco Domagoso led its soft opening on Monday (August 24, 2020).

The murals, according to reports, were created to boost awareness of Filipino art, history, and culture and to bring art to public places. The murals highlight important events in the Philippine history and vibrant photos of Manila’s landmarks, such as Jones Bridge and the New Binondo Chinatown Arch.

There is also a portion in the murals dedicated to frontline workers in the battle against COVID-19, such as medical and delivery workers.

Visitors and passersby would be delighted to see vertical gardens, and signages written in Baybayin to help people navigate the area.

An interactive info desk was placed to provide information about the city.

For those who worry about slippery floors especially the elders worry not. The city government used non-skid tiles for the commuters’ protection especially during the rainy season.

Photo credit: Richmond Chi

The underpass was also given ample lighting and closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to ensure the safety of pedestrians.

For those asking about the iconic Books from Underground, it gets to keep its place in the underpass. It was moved near the Manila City Hall entry/exit point of the underpass. The books are stacked in new bookshelves.

The renovation project worth P5 million was made possible by donations from private companies and national government agencies.

Lagusnilad rehabilitation is a collaboration of the city government with the University of Santo Tomas College of Architecture alumni and faculty Arch. Juanito Malaga, John Benedict Fallorina, Sean Patrick Ortiz, Leon Centeno Tuazon; and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts for the underpass’ overall design.

The mural artists: Marianne Rios, Jano Gonzales, and Ianna Engano; while those who made the signages are Raven Angel Rivota, Edrian Garcia, and John Leyson. 

Source: mb.com.ph

WHY WE NEED TO WEAR FACE SHIELD

With the increasing number of Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) positive cases, and with possible cure and vaccine remaining in development, it is vital for our government to ensure that our people adhere to stringent preventive measures, to stop the widespread transmission of COVID-19.

Most evidence supports that COVID-19 is primarily spread through respiratory droplets, with contact and transmission through small aerosol particles as secondary pathway. This evidence shows that the use of FACE SHIELDS, aside from FACE MASKS, will reduce the exposure to and emission of respiratory droplets.

Overall, starting August 15, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will require ALL PASSENGERS using any mode of public transportation to wear FACE SHIELD as an essential layer of protection to contain the spread of the virus, and help prevent public transport from becoming a transmission vector of the said virus.

The use of FACE SHIELD is one of the best ways to reduce the chances of being infected or spreading COVID-19 when using any mode of public transportation. 

It is something that we, at the DOTr, are strongly advocating, and we wish to highlight the advantages of using a FACE SHIELD.

However, more than the advantages, we should take comfort with the words of Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade on why we are making this crucial layer of protection mandatory in public transportation –

“Let us remember that NO AMOUNT of protection is TOO MUCH when it comes to HEALTH and SAFETY, especially that we are battling an invisible enemy.’”

Source: From the Facebook page of Assistant Secretary Goddes Hope Libiran, of the Department of Transportation

Dog Appreciation Day

Our old pooch Oreo is 10 years old. It seems like yesterday when he’s just a little fur ball who loves to play bite. Our legs and feet bore the brunt of his play biting. We love him even when he’s just grumpy most of the time. He is still the same Oreo who loves belly rubs.

Oreo is 3 years old in this photo.

Happy National Dog Day, Oreo. We love you!

National Dog Day or Dog Appreciation Day, is celebrated on the 26th of August. As an all day event, you can celebrate with your furry best friend for as long as you want.