The City Council will resume its session on Monday after taking a break in line with the observance of the All Saints’ Day and All Souls’ Day.
During its Oct. 26 session, the city council has requested from concerned national government offices for free Covid-19 testing to all food delivery drivers and riders in Baguio.
Through Resolution 584, s. 2020, the appeal was addressed to Vince Dizon, the deputy chief implementer of the national government’s “Tracing, testing, and treating” program for suspected Covid-19 patients in the fight against the pandemic.
The council has asked Dizon, in partnership with all the local food delivery companies in the city, to extend its “T3” program to all local food delivery drivers and riders.
The resolution stated drivers and riders who are exposed to the Covid-19 need to undergo regular testing which can be extended for free by the national government. However, the resolution provided that availing of the free Covid-19 testing would be optional on the part of drivers/riders.
In Resolution 588, s. 2020, the business centers and commercial establishments in the city were urge to observe good customer service and be more responsive to the immediate concerns of their clients.
The request in line with the city government’s gradual and progressive transitioning to the new normal as part of its economic recovery plan and initiatives after the stringent implementation of community quarantine where enterprise and business activities have been temporary hampered.
The resolution stated that business ethics and qualities exemplified by local business managers and leaders and all their personnel will surely sustain and allow their businesses to the next level even during these challenging times while greatly helping the city into its path to economic regain and recovery.
The council in Resolution 594, s. 2020 has urged the Cooperative Development Authority-Cordillera extension office and the Baguio City Cooperative Development Council to assist and make representations on behalf of the macro and micro cooperatives in the city before the Bureau of Internal Revenue, the Department of Labor and Employment, and other line agencies to consider speeding up the processes for the grant of exemption and other incentives due the cooperatives.
The action is in support to the city’s effort in revitalizing local economic activities and in line with the celebration of Cooperative Month in October.
The resolution cited tax exemptions and monetary support as among the incentives/benefits accorded by law to cooperatives, which can be facilitated with the help of CDA and BCCDC as processing and granting of the same have been delayed in the concerned offices.
In Resolution 595, s. 2020, Mayor Benjamin Magalong was authorized to enter into a memorandum of understanding with the provincial government of La Union, represented by Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” Ortega III, for the commitment of mutual support and understanding, expansion of official and non-governmental exchanges, and friendship through the promotion of tourism and stability.
The resolution assured that the collaboration will revive the distressed tourism industry of Baguio and its status as a major destination. It will provide a viable source of income, uplift the economic status of the city and the residents, and help the business sectors recover from heavy revenue losses.
Under the MOU, the two LGUs recognize domestic travel as a vital instrument in reviving the ailing tourism industry and commit to address the challenges of stringent travel restrictions brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In Resolution 596, s. 2020, all the barangays in the city were encouraged to make available their computers and Internet services to students for online learning.
April 25, 2024
