SAN JOSE, Antique – More business operations and work-related activities are expected to resume as President Rodrigo Duterte has classified this province place as a low-risk area for the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), Gov. Rhodora Cadiao said.
The governor expressed her enthusiasm of wanting Antiqueños to return to work and for businesses to reopen as the local economy has been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“I was thinking we should really revive our economy. I want Antiqueños to go back to work and I’d like the businesses to reopen but with protocol, of course,” said Cadiao.
Under the governor’s Executive Order 78, among those establishments permitted to operate for Category I include the agriculture and fishery industries, food manufacturing and food supply chains, logistics sector, health-related institutions, information technology and telecommunication companies, and media industry.
Industries belonging to Category II such as mining and other manufacturing industries, export and electronic commerce, delivery, repair and maintenance, and housing and office services were also given the go signal to open.
Moreover, Category III industries allowed to operate are financial services, Business Process Outsourcing offices, legal, accounting and auditing firms, scientific, technical and non-leisure services, and wholesale and retail establishments.
As for Category IV, the operations of establishments dedicated for amusement, gaming, fitness, and kids and tourism industries are allowed but at a maximum of 50 percent operational capacity.
This half proportion venue capacity also applies to salons, barber shops, other personal care services, food retail establishments, dine-in restaurants, and fast food chains.
Meanwhile, only those hotels and other accommodation establishments that have been accredited as provided by law and relevant issuances of the Department of Tourism and the Department of the Interior and Local Government are allowed to operate.
Cadiao further emphasized the value of business relations between Iloilo and Antique provinces.
According to the governor, Antique sourced its essentials from Iloilo as part of the trade, thus, border closure would “paralyze” the businesses in this province. (With a report from PIA/PN)
