NCR+ is just Greater Manila Area and we’re inside a bubble

Romar Fernando

March 25, 2021

• Last Monday, March 22, we’re all surprised by another term introduced to us to describe the quarantine policy and restriction implemented to avert the recent surge of COVID-19 in the country.

  From Enhanced Community Quarantine (ECQ) to Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) to Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), Soft MECQ, Hard GCQ, and now NCR+ Bubble!

  It is another kind of GCQ with certain restrictions in a particular bubble or locations, according to the national government.

  Out of amazement, it has trended #2 on Twitter on Monday. Netizen made memes. They even involved Spiderman on the scene. Others said that it can be another streaming platform online.

  NCR Plus with Gingko Biloba, fortified with Zinc pic.twitter.com/mhYVoYWdId

  — PGAG (@PGAG_PH) March 22, 2021

  Greater Manila Area NCR Plus pic.twitter.com/9AoKKuNfxo

  — Mart (@martsonbadilla_) March 22, 2021

  welcome to the family, NCR Plus 😍 pic.twitter.com/AZnwC6nb0m

  — SCOUT (@scoutmagph) March 22, 2021

  Start streaming your favorite incompetent government episodes every week on the brand new NCR Plus streaming service!

  Avail now for a lifetime subscription for the small small price of ₱10.13 trillion pic.twitter.com/ac5sIH0aeK

  — Li얌 (@LTRecacho) March 22, 2021

  Another year of lockdown, streaming now on NCR plus #DutertePalpak pic.twitter.com/dbanktVr4f

  — § (@serenityrafols) March 22, 2021

   

  SOME GEOGRAPHY TAKE UP

  But. NCR+ or National Capital Region plus the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal are simply Greater Manila Area as we call it.

  The nature of the Metropolitan Manila being a highly urbanized region enables the labor force to stay within it, work and make business in it, and make their lives sustainable in it. Because of its the center of businesses, offices, and all other transactions, people tend to reside with its neighboring towns and cities to lessen the hustle going to and from one place to another. Demography and population studies state that the Greater Manila Area would be the most populous area in Luzon and in the country.

  

  Image credit: Grab

  The NCR is composed of 16 cities and one municipality. It is the center of culture, economy, education, and government of the Philippines as well. It has almost 13 million inhabitants, according to the 2015 census.

  NCR is surrounded by province of Bulacan in the north with 21 municipalities and 3 cities and a population of approximately 3.2 million. The province of Rizal is the next location from Metro Manila going to the east. It has 13 municipalities and a city, with approximately 2.8 million people. In the southwest of the region is the province of Cavite, with approximately 3.6 million in population in 16 municipalities and 7 cities. And lastly, the province of Laguna in the south, composed of 24 municipalities and 6 cities with more than 3 million in population. And here we go, Greater Manila Area is really a complex region.

   

  THE BUBBLE GUIDELINES

  The extreme social mobility in this complex region has contributed much to the recent surge of COVID-19 cases in the Philippines. Addition to that are the various variants of concern present on the whole of Metro Manila aside from the original Wuhan strain.

  

  Photo Credit: PEP

  In lieu of the recent wave, the national government, through the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) Resolution no. 104, has set guidelines that will be implemented until April 4, Easter Sunday.

  Only essential travels are allowed within the bubble. It is going to and from Metro Manila and the adjacent provinces. Minors, specifically 15 years old and below, senior citizens above 65 years, pregnant women and those with comorbidities should stay home. Curfew hours run from 10:00 PM up to 5:00 AM the following day.

  

  Photo Credit: ABS-CBN News

  Mass gatherings, including religious and other social and political assemblies, are prohibited. Take out and delivery of food products are encouraged because indoor dining is prohibited as well. Mall managements are setting up 50% capacity of “Al Fresco” dining set up within their fences to accommodate those who want to dine.

  Unlike the MECQ in August 2020, public transportation is not prohibited but drivers and passengers are required to wear face masks and face shields while on board.

   

  Hey sweetie, you might be confused of all the terms and tired of all the restrictions around, but always put it in mind that all these are for your health and safety. We are encouraged to take part on whatever solution we can contribute to curve this pandemic. According to Dr. Anthony Leachon, former adviser of the IATF, a voluntary ECQ would be a great help.

  Don’t drop your guard. Keep safe and sound!

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