ALTHOUGH the Inter-Agency Task Force has allowed a relaxed age restriction in tourism in areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ), City Mayor Oscar Moreno said it would still be up to the local government units (LGUs) to decide the easing of protocols.

"I'm sure kanang issuance sa IATF naa gyud gihapon call sa local. I don't think the IATF can ignore the fact nga in some cases naay cases are rising," Moreno said.

On November 20, Malacañang said LGUs may allow children below 15 years old and senior citizens over 65 years old to travel for tourism purposes in areas under MGCQ.

The Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, during its meeting on Thursday, November 19, relaxed age restrictions in tourism “upon the determination of the LGUs and guidelines to be issued by the Department of Tourism, the Department of Health and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.”

Moreno said the ease in age restrictions will happen not because Christmas is near but due to the decline in Covid-19 cases.

"We have to work out nga mo-minus ang atong Covid-positive cases. We have to be result-based kay we cannot ignore," Moreno said.

"Kon dili nato mapa-minus ang positive cases, bikil gyud kaayo," he added.

The city mayor said while he also wanted everyone to celebrate Christmas with fewer restrictions, the City Government cannot alleviate some health protocols in a time when local cases are still rising.

"Enjoy ta pero we're exposing the people to risk. I don't think it's correct," Moreno said.

Moreno also reminded the public to cooperate and comply with the minimum health standards as restrictions will only be relaxed if the city sustained a drop of Covid-19 cases until November 30.

"Let me emphasize nga gusto nato mag enjoy pag celebrate sa Christmas pero mohangyo ako nga let's work on that nga mag enjoy ta by limiting the spread of the virus," he added.