How APEC 2015 will affect you next week

The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation is happening, with the Philippines hosting the annual event for the bloc's member economies.

The life of ordinary Pinoys will be transformed, as holidays, flight cancellations, security measures and traffic schemes will be in place to make sure that the heads of state are safe and sound during their stay in the country.

For the general public, this means no work and no school as the government declared some days from November 17 to 20 as special non-working holidays. Frontline government services will remain open.

But for those in the private sector, you might be asked by your company to report for work on November 17 (Tuesday) and 20 (Friday) since the government has left it up to the companies whether or not offices will be closed on those days.

Some companies might have employees report for work even during the APEC Summit proper on November 18 to 19.

The Department of Labor and Employment reminded companies that special pay rates apply to those working on government-declared holidays. Among these special rates is an additional 30 percent of an employee's daily rate, plus the cost-of-living allowance.

READ: Pay rules for APEC week

Plan your trips

From November 15 to 20, most commercial flights at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have already been canceled to give way to the arrival and departure of APEC delegates.

LIST: Canceled PAL, Cebu Pac, AirAsia flight

Flag carrier Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific and AirAsia Philippines have canceled at least 550 domestic and international flights. Passengers have the option to rebook their flights with no rebooking and penalty charges. They may also cancel their trip and ask for a full refund.

In addition, PAL has announced the cancellation of 358 flights after receiving more information on the APEC delegates' schedule.

Skyjet Airlines also rescheduled or canceled most of their flights for the APEC week.

A no-fly zone will be in effect to ensure the safety of delegates.

Public transportation

Those who need to take public transportation will still be able to get around Metro Manila and surrounding areas using the mass rail system. The MRT, LRT, and PNR will operate as usual even during APEC week.

No provincial bus routes are affected by the security measures except buses going to and from the Coastal Mall Metro Bus Station with the closure of Roxas Boulevard.

When on the road

Those who will be on the road should expect heavy traffic in select areas, including  EDSA due to the security measures that include traffic rerouting schemes.

For a glimpse of how the APEC week will officially unfold to cap the year-long hosting of meetings that involved officials of the 21 APEC member economies, check this partial and tentative schedule —with Jessica Bartolome/VS/JST, GMA News