This Week in Northern Luzon (July 18 to 24, 2020)

Last Friday, July 10, 2020, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong issued a warning to tour agencies who are accepting reservations while quarantine measures are still in effect in the city. He mentioned in a statement that the threat of COVID-19 continuously hovers in the city, and whoever gets caught violating the government restrictions shall be dealt with accordingly. As per the Republic Act 11469, anyone who disobeys the national government’s policies in regard to quarantine impositions by local government officials shall face imprisonment of two months or be fined not less than PhP10,000 but not more than PhP1,000,000.

Magalong has also released a statement regarding the arrival of director Joyce Bernal along with her film team in the city to shoot scenes for President Duterte’s upcoming State of the Nation Address. He said that the group complied with and submitted all the necessary requirements and health declaration forms, and was approved consequently. The team also followed strict safety protocols in Baguio City. The upcoming SONA will be featuring several areas that highlight Cordilleran culture. [1]

After the province was placed under modified general community quarantine, hotels and other accommodation establishments in Ilocos Norte have opened once more. Ilocos Norte Provincial Information Officer Rhona Daoang said that about 50 hotels and accommodation facilities have reopened in different areas in the province. In total, over 90 hotels, resorts, and transient houses have been issued with special permits to operate under MGCQ by the provincial government of Ilocos Norte. Reopening establishments must identify their purpose for resuming operations before they are allowed to operate as a quarantine facility for returning residents, accommodation place for authorized persons outside residence or APOR, or for leisure. [2]

Last July 13, 2020, the City Government of Baguio launched a cashless fare collection system at the City Hall flag raising rites. Along with SquidPay Technology Inc. Chief Operating Officer and President Enrico Tamayo, Mayor Benjamin Magalong signed the Memorandum of Agreement that formalizes the terms of the program. SquidPay Account Executive Officer Elmar Panganiban said that they have already conducted seminars with public utility jeepneys, taxis, and UV Express Service associations.

The city has pursued cashless transactions after the alarming rise of COVID-19 cases among transport workers. This new scheme will be using contactless, cashless, and seamless payment transactions through transport cards, near-field communication, or QR codes. [3]

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo Ano has announced that back riding or “angkas” shall be allowed for riders who are married, common law couples, or are in the same household. As proof of relationship, rides must present the following documents:

1. Photocopy of Contract of Marriage, accompanied by valid Government issued IDs

2. Valid Government issued IDs stating that they are staying at the same address or a Barangay Certification that they are spouses, either legally or under common-law, accompanied by valid Government issued IDs.

There must also be a protective barrier between the driver and the passenger, and both must wear protective gears like face masks and shields. [4]

The City Veterinarian and Agriculture Office or CVAO of Baguio assured that the fish and meat products of the Baguio City Public Market are safe, clean, and fit for human consumption. Veterinarian Dr. Bridgitt Piok said that they are conducting regular inspections at the market to ensure the health and safety of the residents.

At least 74 individuals were cited for the violation of meat inspection laws and regulations during the first half of 2020. They were either penalized, fined, suspended, or were made to surrender their products for proper disposal. In order to guarantee that the market is a place where people can get food that is fit for human consumption, the CVAO checks certificates and shipping permits. They also check on the actual products. If the products are not deemed healthy, they are confiscated and disposed of.

The province of Ilocos Norte is planning to set up more COVID-19 testing centers. Provincial Health Office Officer-in-charge Dr. Josephine Ruedas said that the province is in need of more COVID-19 testing centers to speed up the detection of positive cases. The province currently has two teams going around isolation centers to swab test people in quarantine. Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph Manotoc has already approved the establishment of additional COVID-19 testing centers in strategic locations of the province. [6]

Visit Yoorekka for more updates on Northern Luzon.