ILOILO City – Businesses in this city will gradually resume their operation beginning May 16, said Mayor Jerry Treñas.
“There is no other way to sustain our being the region’s center of commerce and industry than by reopening businesses. Doing so would stimulate our economy. The resumption of business operations would give employment to our people,” he explained.
By Saturday, this city would be under a modified general community quarantine. Socioeconomic activities will be allowed but minimum public health standards must be followed, according to Interior secretary Eduardo Año yesterday.
Treñas said he would issue an executive order with detailed guidelines on this before the week is over but already, he said, bars, cockpits, cinemas, and spas would remain closed because social distancing would be difficult to observe in them.
The mayor is keen on following the quarantine exit plan presented recently by professors of the University of the Philippines Visayas but would introduce modifications.
He would also take into account the post-enhanced community quarantine plan of Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. of Iloilo province.
The last day of the enhanced community quarantine here and Iloilo province is this Friday, May 15.
As for religious activities, Treñas said, he wanted to be assured that social distancing and wearing of facemasks would be observed by all religious denominations during worship services.
“Kag kon sobra ang tawo indi na pagpasudlon,” he said.
Yesterday afternoon the mayor was scheduled to discuss these with religious leaders.
“I think tiempo naman nga magbalik kita sa mahal nga Ginoo,” said Treñas.
According to the city mayor, he acknowledges the apprehension of some once businesses begin to reopen.
There is still no vaccine against SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The disease can spread from person to person through small droplets from the nose or mouth which are spread when a person with COVID-19 coughs or exhales.
“We understand the risks but we really have to move forward,” said Treñas. “We have to keep our economy going. People have to earn a living.”
Treñas said curfew hours would be adjusted – from the current 8 p.m. to 5 a.m., it would be enforced from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.
“Ang liquor ban i-lift, pero may limitation sa purchases (so that) indi magulpihan bala. Kon buy-an dayun damo naga-wild,” added Treñas.
Regarding public transport, Treñas said jeepneys and taxis would be allowed to resume their operation.
Only 25 percent of the total number of old model / traditional jeepneys (per jeepney route) would be allowed while for taxis all units would be allowed.
Also, each jeepney unit would only be allowed to load up to 50 percent of its total passenger capacity so that social distancing could be observed.
For automobile taxis, it is going to be a maximum of three passengers – one in the front seat and two in the back seats.
As to the jeepney fare, it would be P9 for the first four kilometers and an additional P1.50 for every succeeding kilometer.
The modern jeepneys, on the other hand, would all be allowed to operate. The minimum fare is P11 plus P1.80 for every succeeding kilometer.
For taxis, the fare should still be based on the meter reading.
The city government would continue to be proactive in curbing COVID-19 infections, Treñas assured residents.
“Ginaliwat-liwat ko gid nga we have to be wary because ang infection ‘syado gid…malatnan ka gid ya so kinahanglan preparar gid kita,” said Treñas./PN
