The volume of travelers started to pick up and freight is very encouraging three days after the resumption of fastcraft trips from Bacolod to Iloilo and vice versa, Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry executive officer Frank Carbon said.
Carbon added that with a harmonized travel rules agreed on by Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia Jan. 28, the local business community is very optimistic that this will be the start of the one direction for the gradual recovery of the economy.
The province and the highly urbanized city agreed to lift the requirement of a negative RT-PCR result from inbound travelers starting Feb. 1. Passengers just need to present a negative Rapid Antigen Test to be taken and certified only by accredited Department of Health clinic or laboratory from their point of origin within 48 hours upon arrival.
Carbon said the MBCCI and their colleagues in Metro Iloilo appreciate the latest decision of the local officials to allow a relaxed travel guidelines since many have been affected in the whole region by the more than two years of health crisis.
Allowing people to travel as long as they observe minimum health protocols will ensure that the economy starts to recover. Even if it is slow moving, money will still circulate and jobs can be sustained, he added.
Weesam Express is the sole vessel operating two round trips per day to cater to travelers from Bacolod and Iloilo via the Bredco port.
Carbon said that from less than 100 passengers per trip last week, they expect the number to increase this week.
This is a start of the recovery efforts of both local government units and the business sector would like to cooperate with the leaders, Carbon said as he urged fellow businessmen to help ensure the strict implementation of minimum health protocols and have their employees fully vaccinated against the coronavirus.
Carbon said that on Feb. 1, the Chinese community will celebrate the Lunar New Year, and many businessmen who are members of the Bacolod Filipino Chinese Chamber are optimistic about this year, particularly since it is an Election Year. — MML
