Travel agencies, tour operators, reservation service and related activities are allowed to reopen starting today, Oct. 16, according to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).
Memorandum Circular No. 20-53 series of 2020 issued by DTI Secretary Ramon M. Lopez has recategorized these economic activities from Category IV to Category III so these establishments can reopen their operations already.
Under the MC, travel agencies, tour operators, reservation service and related activities are allowed to reopen at 50 percent operational capacity for areas placed under the General Community Quarantine (GCQ), and 100 percent capacity for areas placed under modified GCQ.
Operations are subject to the mandatory minimum public health standards and protocols as provided under Department of Health Administrative Order No. 2020-0015, DTI-Department of Labor and Employment Joint Memorandum Circular No. 20-04 on Workplace Prevention and Control of COVID-19, Department of Tourism Health and Safety Guidelines, and all pertinent health protocols.
To ensure compliance, the MC said that DTI, through the Fair Trade Enforcement Bureau and regional or provincial offices, shall monitor compliance with the circular through a post-audit mechanism.
Inspection by the DOT, DOLE, DOH, and the LGUs Health Office may also be conducted any time.
Earlier, Board of Investments Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo said they have facilitated the entry of 767 expatriates and highly technical personnel of companies into the country.
Rodolfo said these firms were very grateful, but told them it was heartening that they still continued their business in the country despite the challenges.
Meantime, Trade and Industry Secretary Ramon M. Lopez sad that Inter Agency Task Force (AITF) approved DTI proposal to allow again mallwide sale to generate more economic activities.
Also approved is too allow gradual widening of age 15-65 years old to be allowed outside residence, except hotspot areas where local government units (LGUs) can limit allowed age range to 18-65 years old. Of course, the workers or business people are allowed outside.
LGUs are also enjoined to allow necessary business establishments and workers to open or travel within curfew hours to generate more jobs and income opportunities.