TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan – The local government unit of this city is still waiting for the national guidelines for the implementation of the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).
In an interview with the Philippine Information Agency Region 02, Tuguegarao City Mayor Jefferson Soriano said the city is now under GCQ but is still observing protocols from the Enhanced Community Quarantine.
The slow implementation, said Soriano is caused by the delayed release of guidelines and protocols from the national government, which is what the residents should understand.
“Tiis-tiis lang po tayo, I hope you understand”, said the mayor.
ON TRANSPORTATION
Soriano said they will come up with guidelines and protocols once the Department of Transportation issues their own guidelines.
As of now, Public Utility Vehicles (PUV) are still prohibited from entering the city. “Di pa prepared ang Tuguegarao, i-reready muna ang mga terminal para hindi kalat-kalat ang mga PUV”, said Soriano.
Three terminals in the city will be organized first before allowing PUVs to operate.
The chief executive said he will also have a meeting with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and the Land Transportation Office (LTFRB).
For tricycles, the city council headed by Vice Mayor Bienvenido de Guzman amended the former fare matrix, increasing the former rates to help drivers get back on their feet.
From 12 pesos to 25 pesos, 14 pesos to 50 pesos, and 18 pesos to 75 pesos, the new rates will be implemented for the GCQ.
Soriano also noted that only one passenger is allowed, and that the driver must have a can or container where the passenger can drop the money so physical contact is still avoided.
For private vehicles, only two persons are allowed inside, while for sport utility vehicles, there can be a maximum of three people.
Mayor Soriano said he will talk with other chief executives in the province of Cagayan to issue travel passes to residents who have official business in Tuguegarao City.
To ease clutter in checkpoints, the drivers should then ready their IDs and travel passes so they can be allowed to enter the city.
Soriano also reminded that backriding is still not allowed in the city.
BUSINESS ESTABLISHMENTS
Under the GCQ, business establishments are allowed to operate, but not all, said Soriano.
The LGU will be asking for necessary documents before giving permission to establishments to open and resume operation.
The mobile markets placed outside the city proper will continue operation with the help of the Department of Trade and Industry Region 02.
For stalls in the Tuguegarao City Commercial Center, formerly the Mall of the Valley, the rents are still waived for those who opt to not open their stores.
Soriano said they’ll only charge those who have opened their stores.
CURFEW HOURS
Soriano also released Executive Order No. 55 to adjust curfew hours in the city effective today.
The new curfew will be from 10 in the evening to 5 in the morning with the exception of Night Workers, Health Workers and hospital personnel, authorized government officials and employees.
Elected government officials are also exempted from the curfew, together with the members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the police force, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.
Barangay Officials and Tanods who are on duty, people involved in emergency medical cases, drivers and helpers of delivery trucks involved in transporting fruits, vegetables, and agricultural products.
Also included in the exemptions are funeral parlors, priests and religious personnel, street sweepers, garbage collectors, and slaughterhouse workers.
