CEBU CITY – The wearing of face masks here is no longer mandatory.
Mayor Michael Rama on Wednesday, Aug. 31, signed an Executive Order (EO) “declaring the use of face mask within the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Cebu as non-obligatory but a measure of individual self-preservation and protection.”
In his observation, Rama said wearing of face mask is no longer practiced in most areas.
“Let us not be naive. I was in (barangay) Pasil early in the morning, how many percent of people there who are wearing face mask?” Rama said in a press briefing.
Rama said it will be up to business establishments if they will continue to require the use of face masks within their premises.
He added wearing of face mask is also voluntary in schools, saying it will be the discretion of parents and teachers if they will ask their students to wear them.
Rama recalled he has been talking about “freedom” way back last February and it was about time to ease the policy on face mask.
“We are rising up and moving forward,” Rama said.
The only place where face mask is mandatory include hospitals, clinics, and other medical facilities.
"Wearing of face mask is non-obligatory but as a measure of self-preservation," Rama added.
As the city eases its policy on face mask, Rama assured there will be no letup in this city’s vaccination drive.
Rama said a copy of his EO will be sent to Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr.
Abalos has already been informed of the new policy in this city, Rama said.
Rama said he is ready should the new policy draw opposition from some sectors. “As long as it is reasonable and fair, I will not be stubborn,” said Rama.
Cebu province had earlier eased the use of face mask but Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia’s order lifting their mandatory wearing became controversial.
Garcia clashed with some national government officials, who opposed the non-mandatory of use of face mask.