THE Bacolod City Emergency Operations Center (EOC) is eyeing the reopening of ferry services between Bacolod City and Iloilo City following months of suspension due to coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
In a press conference held Tuesday, October 5, Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia confirmed that the EOC is now deliberating the matter.
Among the things being considered by the EOC is removing the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test requirement, which is being pushed by local ferry companies led by Weesam Express operator Frank Carbon.
When asked about the reason why he agreed on the resumption of the sea trips, Leonardia stressed that he does not want Bacolod City "to remain an (isolated) island.”
Carbon, for his part, said they are hoping that the resumption of trips between Iloilo and Bacolod will push through, especially that Iloilo City was recently downgraded into the general community quarantine with heightened restrictions, same with Bacolod City.
Carbon, who is also the chief executive officer of the Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), is also pushing for the removal of the RT-PCR test requirement for travelers.
Instead, Carbon is proposing that the vaccination card should only be the requirement when entering or exiting the two cities.