By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga
Following the announcement of the local government of Don Salvador Benedicto town declaring that they will allow Christmas parties, the city government of Sipalay also made an announcement yesterday morning that they will also allow parties, but under the condition that health protocols are strictly observed.
In a radio interview with RMN DYHB-Bacolod, Sipalay City Public Information Officer Keith Brandon Cari-an said since September of this year the resorts in the city have been given accreditation by the Department of Tourism (DOT) to operate as long as they will only allow 50 percent of their establishment’s guest capacity.
Tourists are now welcome in the city, although some may still be required to fill-up a travel form issued and signed by the barangay captain or authorized personnel in order to make sure that they did not come from any areas which have been placed under lockdown.
Cari-an said those planning to get into the city may download and fill-up the travel form in the city’s official social media page. Visitors are also required to state where they will be staying in order for the barangay personnel to monitor them.
He also revealed that by next month, they are planning to roll-out a digital travel form, wherein those entering the city can start using QR codes.
Earlier, Don Salvador Benedicto Mayor Marxlen Dela Cruz said Christmas parties will be allowed in the municipality, but may only be held in resorts accredited by the DOT.
Dela Cruz said as of the moment, three of the five resorts in the town have already secured an accreditation from the DOT.
However, he said the resorts are ordered to strictly observe the health protocols imposed by the Department of Health, including limiting the number of guests based on the regulations of the Inter-Agency Task Force during modified general community quarantine.
Dela Cruz also made an appeal to the resort guests to as much as possible avoid interacting with local residents in order to avoid COVID-19 transmission./DGB, WDJ