PGLU: Border Controls Need Vigilance in Imposing Protocols vs COVID-19

By: Rafael C. Mosuela, GPC-SP

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Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Francisco Paolo P. Ortega V said the Provincial Government of La Union and other agencies have been implementing its safety protocols at the province gateways since Inter Agency Task Force (IATF) have imposed travel restriction due to COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have adopted measures we deem necessary to secure our province. This development will further strengthen our resolve to reinforce our safety measures and protocols in various places in the province in coordination with other concerned government agencies," Ortega said.

Resolution no. 607-2020 requesting authorities who are administering border controls in the Province of La Union to remain vigilant in imposing checkpoints guidelines and protocols especially with the returning Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) was approved on June 2, 2020.

The implementation of Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) was issued in the Province of La Union along with other low-risk provinces.

On May 29, 2020, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) released updated guidelines and protocols in different areas of the country with relevance to the country’s adoption of the ‘New Normal’.

Adhering to the guidelines issued by IATF-IED Resolution No. 40, series of 2020, Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III issued Executive Order (EO) No. 19, s. of 2020, requiring to adopt and localize protocols applicable to the LGU.

Under section 9 of Executive Order No. 19, series of 2020, it specifically provides that in the Province of La Union, it strictly stipulated border entry protocols to prevent the risk of the spread of the virus in the province.