JORDAN, Guimaras – The scarcity of motorboats transporting people across the Iloilo Strait is not an excuse for travelers to violate minimum health standards.
Vice Gov. John Edward Gando reminded people to observe physical distancing in the wharves of Jordan and Buenavista towns while waiting for motorboats that would ferry them to Iloilo City.
“Bisan malaba ang pila, ma-observe kita dapat sang health standards. Compliant kita kag wala nagalapas sa regulamento,” said Gando.
The health protocols aim to curb the transmission of coronavirus disease 2019.
Only 10 sea vessels are currently servicing the Iloilo City – Guimaras route and vice versa.
On Jan. 1 the Maritime Industry Authority grounded some 60 wooden-hulled motorboats servicing the route. The extension of their Certificate of Public Convenience and Necessity which expired in September 2020 ended on Dec. 31. This resulted to the glutting of passengers at the Jordan and Buenavista wharves in Guimaras and at the Ortiz wharf, Iloilo Ferry Terminal-Parola and Lapuz wharf in Iloilo City.
To make sure travelers bound for Iloilo City follow health safety protocols, Gov. Samuel Gumarin deployed Public Safety Task Force personnel at the Jordan and Buenavista wharves.
Aside from physical distancing, these personnel were also reminding travelers to wear facemask and face shield, and sanitize their hands.
Helping the provincial Public Safety Task Force were the personnel of the Philippine Coast Guard-Guimaras.
Meanwhile, at the Ortiz wharf, Iloilo Ferry Terminal-Parola and Lapuz wharf in Iloilo City, Mayor Jerry Treñas said he would be posting personnel of the Public Safety and Transportation Management Office, too, to enforce health protocols on people bound for Guimaras.
The only 10 sea vessels servicing the Iloilo City – Guimaras route and vice versa are six fiberglass motorboats, two roll on, roll off vessels and two steel-hulled boats./PN
