Baguio amends Itogon travel restrictions

RESIDENTS of Barangays Dalupirip, Gumatdang, Loacan, Tinongdan, Tuding and Ucab are now allowed to enter Baguio City either for work or to access essential goods and services.

These were some of the amendments made by the City Government of Baguio following a dialogue Wednesday afternoon, November 4, 2020, with Itogon officials and other government agencies.

Residents of these barangays are required to present documents at the border checkpoints such as barangay certificates of residence and medical certificates issued by the Municipal Health Office.

During the dialogue, Itogon officials informed the City Government which barangays in the municipality are high-risk areas and low-risk areas.

Residents of Barangays Ampucao, Poblacion and Virac are also allowed to enter but need to present proofs of work and medical certificates.

The new advisory is set to take effect on Monday, November 9.

Health workers are exempted from checkpoint requirements, while residents needing non-emergency medical attention need to present proof of confirmed appointment or doctor’s referral slip.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in his new advisory, said Itogon will continue with its expanded testing operations, and the city is ready to assist in whatever way it can.

“We are already making arrangements for shared isolation facilities and additional resources for expanded testing,” said Magalong.

Itogon officials earlier passed a resolution requesting Magalong to recall his advisory that temporarily restricted access between the city and the Benguet town, adding they understand the predicament of the city in protecting its people by controlling the entry of residents of the town but temporary restriction poses an additional burden for the people of Itogon.