This Week in Bacolod (March 29 to April 4, 2020)

The enhanced community quarantine in Bacolod starts on March 30.

By: Shanice Reyes | March 29, 2020

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The whole province of Negros Occidental and the city of Bacolod are now under enhanced community quarantine. The city government has also declared the city of Bacolod under a state of calamity and are also urging private sectors to release the midyear bonus of employees. Meanwhile, persons under monitoring (PUMs) are being quarantined in a resort in Murcia. In the same facility, a PUM was nabbed for escaping mandatory isolation. Meanwhile, non-residents of Bacolod cannot enter the borders without stating their business and showing a valid verification of a company ID. Lastly, the prices of basic goods in the city are to follow the automatic price control given by the Department of Trade and Industry. For more of this week’s Bacolod news related to COVID-19, read on!

Quarantine News

Negros Occidental under enhanced community quarantine

The entire province is under enhanced community quarantine (ECQ). The order was signed by Governor Eugenio Lacson last March 26, and the quarantine will be in effect from 12:01 AM of March 30 until 11:59 PM of April 14, 2020. Under the ECQ, mass public transportation like buses, jeepneys, taxis, pedicabs, V-hire vans, and other similar forms will be suspended. Establishments like groceries, public markets, pharmacies, water-refilling stations, banks, delivery services, laundry services, and business process outsourcing offices are still allowed to operate. To add, a household quarantine pass will be issued to one person of each household only, and only a physically able member of the household can be the holder.

Also, local government units and barangay officials are ordered by the governor to come up with schemes for delivering food and basic necessities to vulnerable locations and with transportation plans for health workers and employees. During the ECQ, everyone is expected to stay at home and observe the 24-hour home quarantine unless there is a need to buy necessities and if there are emergencies [1].

Enhanced community quarantine implemented in Bacolod City

The Executive Order No. 26 series of 2020 placing the city under enhanced community quarantine was signed by Mayor Evelio Leonardia on March 27, and it will be effective from 12:01 AM of March 30 until 11:59 PM of April 14, 2020. Due to the rising numbers of persons under investigation (PUIs), there is a need to implement strict home quarantine in all households.

Essential government services and businesses will continue to operate and serve the public, though mass transportation will be suspended. A 24-hour curfew must be followed in all households except for individuals with quarantine passes. They can go out and buy necessities from 4:00 AM until 10:00 PM. Quick response funds shall be given to all barangays and be utilized in order to prioritize the food and essential needs of the residents.

State of calamity declared in Bacolod

The City Council declared the City of Bacolod in the state of calamity after passing the resolution during a regular session last March 18, 2020 [2]. The council also urged the Office of the City Mayor to release the midyear bonus of Bacolod employees if this is legally permissible under the prevailing circumstances. The entire country is also in the state of calamity due to COVID-19’s effects on the economic sector.

Mambukal Resort established as quarantine site for PUMs

Mambukal Resort, a popular mountain resort in Murcia, was designated as a quarantine site for PUMs. The resort has stopped its regular operation until further notice. Meanwhile, the PUMs accommodated at the resort will undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. They will be provided with food and lodging by the provincial government. The PUMs aren’t allowed to leave the quarantine site or accept visitors and are strictly monitored [3].

Previously, a PUM named Felix Alejo was nabbed after he escaped the bus bound for the resort. A manhunt was conducted and Alejo was found hiding in his home at Camella Homes Subdivision, Mandalagan. The PUM, who came from Pampanga, allegedly escaped because he thought the quarantine was only for those coming from the National Capital Region. Police Colonel Baleros noted that anyone from outside the province, regardless if they came from Metro Manila or not, are considered PUMs since there is a strict quarantine control in Negros Occidental.

Travel News: “No ID, No Entry” at Bacolod’s borders

A strict “No ID, No Entry” policy was implemented by the City Government of Bacolod at the entry points of the city [4]. To enter, non-residents who are working and delivering goods in the city must present a company ID or employment certificate to the authorities manning the borders. Stationed 24/7 at the borders are policemen, City Health Office (CHO) officers, and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) authorities. Check-up points are situated in the boundaries of Barangays Mansilingan, Bata, Sum-ag, and at the access road going to Bacolod-Silay Airport.

Shopping News: DTI released an automatic price control in Bacolod

The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has released an automatic price control guide for retail establishments in the city [5]. The reference that was given is based on the monitoring data of the DTI-Negros Occidental which is effective for 60 days. Following the declaration of the state of public health emergency by the President, the price freeze among basic goods took effect. Prices of 155 grams of canned sardines range from PhP14.40 to PhP18.20, depending on the brand. For powdered milk, prices are pegged at PhP46.25 to PhP174.50, depending on the brand and net weight. For a loaf of bread, it will cost PhP37 to PhP64, still depending on the brand and net weight. Prices vary since it will also depend on where these goods are sold.


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



Sources:
[1] https://bit.ly/3dzDKbp
[2] https://bit.ly/2JkC0ow
[3] https://bit.ly/2WQeYh5
[4] https://bit.ly/2UjG8v4
[5] https://bit.ly/2WTdgLM
[6] https://bit.ly/2WTdgLM

About Shanice Reyes

Shanice Reyes writes to buy herself good coffee and bike parts. When she's not writing, you can find her playing Ultimate Frisbee, traveling to new places, or hanging out with her dogs and tarantulas. Though she has an irrational fear of heights, she'd love to try sky-diving one day.

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