Talisay waives travel authority requirement for inbound travelers

CEBU CITY, Philippines – Travelers bound for Talisay City, Cebu will now be asked to present “fewer” requirements upon entry.

Mayor Gerald Anthony ‘Samsam’ Gullas, in a social media post on Monday, March 1, announced that they will do away with the need for an acceptance letter and travel authority for those who are headed to his city.

Gullas issued his directive after the Cebu provincial  government also announced that it will already waive the need for real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test results as one of the conditions in traveling to its terroritorial jurisdictions, including Talisay City.

“With the recent order from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and with that of Gov. Gwen (Garcia’s) new executive order, the Talisay City government has decided to no longer require acceptance letter and travel authority for those entering our city if they come from other LGUs (local government units),” Gullas said.

The IATF’s new guidelines allowed local governments around the country to decide on whether or not there is a need to retain stringent screening protocols for incoming travelers.

These include the requirement for RT-PCR test results showing that the traveler has not been infected with SARS-CoV-2, medical certificates, and travel authority from concerned government agencies.

For those who are bound for the different towns and component cities in Cebu province, they only needed to present medical certificates and pass symptoms screening at seaports and airports.

Authorized Persons Outside of Residence (APORs) are required to also show supporting documents detailing their itinerary here.

On the other hand, Gullas said that the Talisay City government will continue to provide documentary requirements such as travel authority to their residents doing outbound travels.

“I urge those traveling to other areas in the country but are currently living in Talisay City to inquire with the LGU they are going on what documentary requirements will they need,” he said.

The mayor also advised future visitors who will be heading to Talisay City, which borders Cebu City on the south, to continue to follow minimum health protocols and to immediately report to health authorities if they start feeling unwell.

“I know that you are all excited to see a bit of normalcy after so many months but this is no joking matter. COVID-19 is still here and we could get sick of it if we are not careful,” said Gullas.

“Please not only mind your own health but also those accompanying you. Your strict observance of health protocols means a lot to those who have weak immunity, especially those who are of advance age,” he added.

Cebu province has been under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ) since July in 2020. /dcb