THE City Government of Baguio will continue to implement temporary restricted access to the city, but medical certificates are now valid until the end of the border control order on December 4.
The validity of the required document to enter Baguio City was one of the key points discussed during a closed-door meeting of Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay (BLISTT) mayors at the Baguio Convention Center on Thursday.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong issued the travel restriction on November 19 and later amended it with a medical certificate as a requirement effective November 26 until December 4, 2020. The required document then will be valid for only five days from the date of issuance.
But after a meeting, La Trinidad Mayor Romeo Salda said those who were able to get medical clearance no longer need to obtain a new clearance after five days as required in the earlier advisory.
“Magalong responded that they longer need to get new medical clearance as they can use that until December 4. That means falling in line to get a medical clearance will be done once,” added Salda.
Magalong said they were able to clarify issues and misunderstandings and they will continue to implement the border control.
“It’s not only for Baguio but for the province of Benguet, especially for our BLISTT partners. The benefits that will be derived from here will be mutually beneficial, so nagtutulungan kami ngayon. We were able to clarify all the issues and misunderstandings at nalaman namin na iba talaga pag nagtutulungan kami,” he added.
Magalong added it’s a lesson learned, citing when there are policies that will be implemented that would impact other mayors, it is better for the mayors come together and discuss it among themselves.
“Also, another nangyari last time, emotions were high, kung minsan ating mga personnel o staff umiinit din maski anong control mo sa kanila, we understand them. We also understand emotions of mayors, ang importante walang nagkasakitan, we don’t destroy each other, walang nagsisiraan it’s not worth it destroying one another, trying to negate what the other mention. It doesn’t work that way,” added Magalong.
Magalong, who is also the BLISTT chairman, said the mayors who attended the virtual meeting last week had weak internet connectivity and missed critical points.
The city officials assured residents of Benguet and Baguio that they are united.
“We will continue to work together as one community, pursue programs together. We cannot be exclusive we need to inclusive,” added Magalong, who pointed out that BLISTT is an organization of mayors who took their oath to adhere to unity and solidarity.
Salda said it was a fruitful meeting wherein mayors were able to express their emotions, feelings and sentiments.
“We were able to decide that when it comes to concern of BLISTT there should be a meeting with all the mayors.”
The meeting was attended by Magalong, Salda, Itogon Mayor and president of League of Mayors in Benguet Victorio Palangdan, Sablan Mayor Manuel Munar Jr., Tuba Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan, Tublay Mayor Armando Lauro together with National Economic Development Authority – Cordillera Administrative Region regional director and Regional Development Council vice chair Milagros Rimando and personnel from the local government units. (With a report from Baguio City Public Information Office)