By Malu Manar
KIDAPAWAN CITY – Starting 12: a.m. Monday, this city will be placed under enhanced community quarantine and all its entry points will be closed until April 6, the mayor said.
In Executive Order No. 30 he issued on March 21, Mayor Joseph Evangelista said that all non-residents of the city shall be prohibited from entering Kidapawan City.
But there will exemptions to the rule, he explained.
Subject to the exceptions will be healthcare personnel involved in medical emergencies, and those working within the city.
Also exempted from compliance with the EO are elected and appointed officials, employees, and personnel of the provincial and local governments in North Cotabato, including those working in the national and regional level, and other government line agencies in the exercise of their public functions.
This exemption will also include members of the judiciary, the mayor said.
Also subject to exceptions are radio and TV personnel and other media entities; department; department stores; food service establishements but are limited only for take-out and delivery services; stores that supply or retail agricultural products and veterinary supplies; banks, money transfer establishments and other financial institutions; gasoline stations and LPG sellers; telecommunication facilities; power and water utility companies; power producing companies; manufacturing and processing plants; funeral parlors; vulcanizing shops; water refilling stations; sari-sari stores; couriers; printing establishments; and institutions involved in lending.
Evangelista said that under his order, only tricycles with franchise will be allowed to ply city streets, barangay roads, and other routes.
Other mass transport vehicles including vans, buses, and multicabs are not allowed entry but may only drop off passengers at the duly designated checkpoints.
In the case of tricycles, Evangelista said each can carry only two passengers. All “habal-habal”, “skylabs” and motorcycles will not be allowed to have any back-rider due to the order on the need for social distancing.
Evangelista said the city government shall also provide transportation services for free for personnel involved in the maintenance of public order and health.