City Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong, May 12, said Baguio City would soon ease up outbound transportation to parts of the Cordilleras with zero COVID-19 cases.
This as the city shifts from the state of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) to general community quarantine (GCQ).
To date, Ifugao still has an active COVID-19 case, reason for its momentary exclusion from the impending relaxation of local border policies.
Magalong said the planned opening of transportation must strictly comply with guidelines of the Land Transportation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB).
He revealed, based on assessments done by the city managers and health experts, most of the provinces in the Cordilleras are considered “clean”. Apayao, Mountain Province and Kalinga, to date, recorded zero COVID-19 cases.
The mayor said, the city will coordinate closely with concerned provincial officials and operators of conveyances on how to manage the operations.
It is important to consider the gradual opening of out-bound public transportation to these parts of the region to jumpstart economy in the region, the mayor said.
Magalong stressed, prior to resumption of any outbound public transportation from the city, the conveyances must pass strict inspection by the LTFRB.
Initial LTFRB guidelines provide 50-percent occupancy of public transports; provision of sanitizers and alcohol; mandatory wearing of facemasks; and, the installation of separators to ensure social distancing within the vehicles.
Meanwhile, public conveyances in the city will likewise gradually start operations.
The mayor however clarified, public transportation in the city will still be limited.
He explained, “Our local public transportation must still be in consonance with national policies and the established transition plan of the city to prevent a possible second wave of the virus infection.”
From the existing number of public utility vehicles covered by franchises in the city, he revealed, less than 15-percent may be allowed to operate during the first two weeks of the GCQ, subject to certain adjustments.
Resumption of public transportation from the city to other parts of Luzon has yet to be considered. ** Dexter A. See