March 29, 2024

The province of Ifugao has come out with stricter rules on the entry of vehicles carrying cargos and relief goods to protect its constituents by preventing the entry of possible Covid-19 carriers in the province.

“In response to the growing concerns over the possible outbreak of Covid -19 in the province and to control the mobility of vehicles around the province, it is necessary to strictly regulate the entry of vehicles to intensify the preventive measures against the spread of Covid -19 in the province of Ifugao,” Gov. Jerry Dalipog said in his executive order.

Dalipog said all types of cargos including food and non-food trucks shall not be delayed as long as delivery receipts are shown to them bearing the destination and nature and quantity of the goods.

The vehicle and its passengers will be subjected to quarantine procedures and that coordination with the provincial government or the Ifugao Provincial Covid-19 Task Force must be done before entry.

“The entry of the carrier shall only be for delivering the authorized items to specified recipient or dropping point in the province. The carrier is prohibited from loitering or roaming around the province doing any other business,” the order reads.

“Upon delivery of the goods, the carrier shall immediately leave the province,” it added.

Cargos transported within the province going to nearby provinces shall be allowed to enter as long as the persons aboard the vehicle shall not be allowed to alight from the vehicle while passing through the province.

Relief goods going to the province from outside will also be subjected to quarantine procedures with prior coordination with the provincial government for the centralize distribution of the goods.

The EO added all vehicles shall also undergo disinfection procedures before entry. All courier personnel shall wear mask, gloves, and other necessary personal protective equipment.

“Failure to observe this policy shall be a ground for prohibition of entry,” it stated.

The LGUs shall not collect any additional fees including pass-through fees that would hinder the free movement of goods essential for the maintenance and supply of basic commodities in Ifugao.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police were directed to strictly implement the order signed March 31 by the governor. – Ofelia C. Empian