Puerto Princesa Creates New and Improved Guidelines for the MGCQ

Last May 13, the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) placed Puerto Princesa and Palawan, along with other low-risk provinces and cities, under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) from May 16 to 31.The government has initially decided to lift the community quarantines in low-risk areas such as Palawan, but Health Secretary Francisco Duque has since withdrawn this decision. Compared to GCQ, the MGCQ is more lax and the local government units can implement measures and guidelines suitable for their area.

In keeping with this new status, Palawan improved guidelines have been drafted, specifically in the province’s capital. To comply with the change in quarantine level, the city government of Puerto Princesa issued a set of guidelines that will be implemented in the area. Under Executive Order No. 2020-025 signed by Mayor Lucilo Bayron are guidelines that focus on health standards and a stricter implementation of physical distancing. Besides the usual orders (mandatory face masks, checking of temperature, regular disinfection, and provision of sanitation), the Palawan improved guidelines also tackle changes in travel, transportation, and tourism in the area.

• Land, sea, and air travels will be regulated.

• The Puerto Princesa International Airport (PPIA) will be used for sweeper flights arranged by the Department of Tourism (DOT).

• Pre-arranged flights for stranded foreign and local tourists will be allowed to operate in PPIA.

• Returning OFWs and Palaweños should undergo a 14-day quarantine.

• Residents can quarantine in their homes or any quarantine facilities.

• Inter-municipal travel is allowed.

• Curfew hours are from 9:00 PM to 5:00 AM with selected checkpoints in several areas.

• The elderly are allowed to go outside if they do not have high-risk health issues.

• Mass gatherings will be relaxed. Personal meetings can include up to 10 persons but participants must follow “new normal” protocols such as social distancing.

• Hotels can operate but only for stranded tourists, “long-term bookings,” and returning OFWs.

• The liquor ban will be lifted within the city.

• Consumption of alcoholic beverages in public areas will still be prohibited.

Along with these guidelines, the entire province of Palawan must also follow IATF’s measures. Most industries will be allowed to resume operations but will be required to implement safety measures. Meanwhile, guidelines for local tourist destinations such as Coron, El Nido, the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, and others are yet to be announced.

Go to Yoorekka for more COVID-19 updates in Palawan.