BY GLENDA TAYONA AND IME SORNITO
ILOILO City – This city and the province of Iloilo are not calling off Christmas parties this time as long as people observe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) public health standards.
December last year was a quiet one for most establishments due to mobility restrictions brought about by the pandemic.
With the city and province’s current Alert Level 2, Mayor Jerry Treñas and Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. see no problem with holiday gatherings.
But Defensor said attendees must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
“It is a high-risk activity. Ang bakunado lang para safe. Para man kon naga selebrar kita sang Paskwa wala kamo dal-on nga balatian sa imo nga pamilya,” added Defensor.
The governor said there should also be a health protocol officer in every establishment.
“Let us regulate the gatherings and Christmas parties. LGUs (local government offices), barangays and establishments, Christmas party kamo pero implement ninyo 50 percent lang sang venue,” Defensor added.
Meanwhile, Treñas is yet to issue specific guidelines on the conduct of Christmas parties and yearend events in this southern city.
The province of Antique is allowing Christmas gatherings, too, regardless of vaccination status.
However, according to Gov. Rhodora Cadiao, these must be limited to family members only.
Minimum public health standards must also be put in place.
Meanwhile, the Department of Education in Region 6 has yet to issue advisories on Christmas parties, especially that face-to-face classes have resumed in select schools.
“DepEd Region 6 is waiting for guidelines from the central office,” said Hernani Escullar Jr., information officer.
Earlier, Interior undersecretary Jonathan Malaya said in-person Christmas parties are allowed in areas under Alert Level 2.
He emphasized that it is allowed at 50 percent venue capacity and an additional 10 percent if the venue has a safety seal and minimum public health standards such as wearing of facemasks and social distancing are strictly observed.
On the other hand, the Department of Health (DOH) reiterated the importance of adherence to the public health standards while holding holiday gatherings.
“Kon wala ka man lang gakaon mas maayo mag-wear gihapon sang facemask kag maghugas sang kamot kag conscious lang ‘ta sa social distancing,” said Dr. Jocelyn Te, spokesperson of DOH-6.
She also encouraged the public to get vaccinated.
“I-encourage ta ang mga wala nabakunahan at least mag-enjoy man sila sa ila family gatherings,” Te added.
Should one exhibit COVID signs and symptoms, Te said it is better for them to cancel their party plans so as not to put others at risk.
Meanwhile, Health undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire encouraged employers to hold virtual Christmas parties./PN
