BY MAE SINGUAY AND DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The travel ban between Iloilo City and Negros Occidental does not sit well with a business executive here.
Losses in vessel revenues and livelihood both in Iloilo and Negros ports could reach several millions every day, said Frank Carbon, chief executive officer of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI).
The National Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) placed Iloilo City under modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ) until May 31 due to rising cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
“Both inbound and outbound travel from Iloilo City to Negros Island and vice versa shall be temporarily suspended effective 12 a.m. on May 25 until 11:59 p.m. on May 31, provided that the unimpeded movement of cargoes in and out of Iloilo City-Negros Island shall be guaranteed,” read part of the IATF resolution.
Carbon said none from the business sector in Western Visayas was consulted about the travel moratorium.
“Wala income ang negosyante. Wala sweldo ang workers. Wala income ang grocery. Wala income ang markets. Wala revenue ang oil companies,” said Carbon, also a ferryboat operator.
He urged the city governments of Bacolod and Iloilo to help those who will be economically displaced by the travel ban, especially those whose livelihood depends solely on the two cities’ ports.
“Ukon sin-o man nga gusto magbulig mahimo magtukod sang community pantry sa BREDCO, Banago and Lapuz ports,” he added.
‘LET’S JUST HELP ILOILO’
On the other hand, Negros Occidental’s Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said the provincial government will take its part in helping the city.
“I don’t think it (travel ban) is a problem. It’s just from May 25 to May 31. Let’s help Iloilo if this is a way to stop the surge. Let’s be part of the solution,” Lacson said.
He went on: “It’s more of a PR because someday we may need something from Iloilo. There will be some that will be affected but if there will be a surge in Iloilo who’s going to take care of them? It’s still the government so we will cooperate with Iloilo.”
Lacson meanwhile explained that while the request of Iloilo was granted by the IATF, Negros’ request to be placed under general community quarantine was not granted because the province has been identified as “low risk” for COVID-19.
Lacson also emphasized that the infections in Negros Occidental “have been going down.”
He told Negrenses, though, to never be complacent./PN