This Week in Bacolod (February 9 to 15, 2020)

Bacolodnons can expect pleasant weather this week. But despite the clear skies, a couple of showers in the afternoon on Monday is likely to develop. After that, there will be plenty of sunshine from Tuesday until Thursday. However, on Valentine's Day (which falls on Friday), cloudy skies will prevail and rain is expected to fall particularly in the morning. The temperature for this week will range from 28 °C to 32 °C [1].

As part of the commitment to serve the public better, the Bacolod City Council approved the resolution by Councilor Carl Lopez requesting the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to find a new location for their satellite office [2]. Lopez said that it is necessary to find a new location for the new office to help jeepney operators renew their franchises conveniently. Currently, operators have to travel to Iloilo for renewal. The councilor also mentioned that the satellite office in Bacolod will operate on a daily basis, based on a discussion with LTFRB chairman Martin Delgra III.

To help avoid nCoV cases in Bacolod City, all public utility vehicle (PUV) drivers and conductors were ordered to wear face masks at all times while on duty. Memorandum circular (MC) 2020-005 was released by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) to all franchise holders to ensure compliance [3]. The MC also states that terminal operators, aside from ensuring the cleanliness of their terminals, shall also provide free face masks and sanitizer to passengers.

Violators will be fined PhP2,000 for the first offense; PhP3,000 fine for the second offense with a 60-day suspension of the Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC) and confiscation of “for hire” plates; and PhP5,000 for the third offense and the cancellation of the CPC.

The Bacolod City Local Government, together with the City Health Office, is closely monitoring various ports and transport terminals in Bacolod City to avoid the spread of the nCoV from China [4]. Vice Mayor El Cid Familiaran stated that close attention is being placed on Bacolod-Silay Airport. He also reminded the public not to believe unconfirmed information on social media, and to get updates only from the Department of Health. He reiterated that those who feel sick should seek immediate medical attention and that everyone should practice proper hygiene.

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