By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson has approved the request of ferry company 2GO Travel to increase the capacity of passengers bound for the province amid the relaxation of COVID-19 travel protocols nationwide as well as the oncoming holiday travel season.

Based on a copy of Lacson’s reply to a letter sent by Dan Paulo Fernan, 2GO Group Vice President and head of Sea Solutions, dated November 29, he is granting the company’s request effective December 16 that they can start accommodating at least 70 percent of the vessel’s passenger capacity.

Lacson further stated the classification of the province under Alert Level 2 and Section 2 of Provincial Executive Order 21-55, series of 2021, provides that “intrazonal and interzonal travel for all ages and for any purpose, including leisure, shall be allowed.

The governor also told 2GO Travel to still follow the minimum public health protocols at all times.

Meanwhile, Lacson also approved the request of Vallacar Transit Incorporated to resume bus trips between Dumaguete City in Negros Oriental to Sipalay City and Hinoba-an town effective December 16.

Lacson has directed the local government units of Sipalay City and Hinoba-an to augment manpower at their respective borders in order to screen S-PaSS permits of the passengers.

Previously, Lacson approved the resumption of bus trips to Negros Oriental and Cebu City, provided that travelers must register via the S-PaSS system./DGB, WDJ