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WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific
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The Second Regional Forum of WHO Collaborating Centres in the Western Pacific will be held in Manila, Philippines, from 28 to 29 November 2016 at the main Conference Hall of the WHO Regional Office for the Western Pacific, located at the corner of United Nations and Taft avenues, Ermita, Manila. The Regional Office is adjacent to the Light Rail Transit's (LRT1) United Nations Avenue Station, next to the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and across the Manila Doctors Hospital.

 

Arrangement, facilities and services at the venue

Identification

For identification and security, participants should wear identification badges at all times during sessions and social functions at the meeting venue. Badges will be provided at the time of registration for the Forum.

Smoke-free policy

The WHO Regional Office is a smoke-free environment. The policy stipulates no smoking on the premises during all WHO meetings and associated functions.

Internet and wireless services

The Regional Office has a wireless network in place, which allows representatives and guests to access the Internet. The wireless network can be accessed from multiple hot spots on the premises and supports wireless standards 802.11a, 802.11b and 802.11g with Wireless Protected Access II (WPA2) security protocols for increased user security and protection. Upon request to the Enquiry Desk located at the foyer of the WHO Conference Hall, a time-limited user ID and password will be provided.

The Regional Office also has a free Internet lounge adjacent to the Conference Hall on the second level. The lounge has a limited number of computers and is open during the meeting.

Facsimile (Fax) services are available at the Registry Unit (Room 112-G) of WHO.

    Cafeteria

    The WHO cafeteria serves breakfast, snacks and lunch, as well as beverages. It is open from 06:00 to 18:00.

    Library

    The WHO Library is on the first and second floors of Building 4 of the Regional Office and is open from 08:00 to 17:00, Monday to Friday.

    Medical services

     

    A nurse is on duty can provide first aid, prescribed injections and simple treatments in the clinic of the Regional Office, room 202-A of the main building, telephone number (+63 2) 528 9621, from 08:00 to 17:00. In addition, a regional staff physician will be on duty during the meeting dates from 08:00 to 17:00. There is a hospital near the Regional Office:

    Manila Doctors Hospital
    667 United Nations Avenue, Manila
    Telephone: (+63 2) 524 3011 (across the street)

     

    Currency and Banking facilities

     

    Marsman Drysdale Travel Inc., the WHO Regional Office's on-site travel agency. It can assist in the encashment of traveler's checks and for money exchange (only for conversion from US dollars to Philippine pesos). Its office is open from 07:30 to 15:00.

    Foreign currency can also be exchanged at banks, airports and exchange desks of designated hotels. The Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) and Banco de Oro (BDO) are a short walk from WHO. BPI is open from 09:00 to 16:30 while BDO is open from 08:30 to 17:30, Monday to Friday .

    There is an ATM at the guard house at the United Nations Avenue entrance to WHO. 

    Information on Manila and the Philippines

    Climate and clothing

    The climate is tropical with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 32°C. The rainy season extends from mid-May to mid-November, during which time it is advisable to have a light raincoat or umbrella. Humidity is high (65%–90%) all year.

    Light clothing is recommended. Offices, hotels and shops are air-conditioned, and visitors sometimes may feel the need for a light jacket or a sweater.

    For official functions, a business suit or national costume is suggested.

    Currency

    The official currency of the Philippines is Peso (₱). The corresponding denominations include:

    • Bank notes: 20, 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1000 pesos
    • Coin Pesos: 1, 5 and 10
    • Coin centavos: 5, 10 and 25

     

    Exchange rate as of 15 October 2016 is 48.312 Philippine pesos to one US dollar.

    International credit cards are accepted by the majority of tourist establishments. ATMs are available 24 hours a day at all banks, some shops and designated hotels.

    Electricity and water

    The standard power supply in Manila is 220 volts, but 110 volts is also available in most hotels. The frequency of electrical current is 60 kilohertz.

    Although Manila tap water is generally potable, bottled water is recommended for drinking.

    Telecommunications

    The country code for the Philippines is 63.
    The city code for Manila is 2.
    The international direct dialling (IDD) code for outgoing calls is 00.

    Local time

    Local time is eight hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). Manila does not use daylight saving time.