DTI, DOT To Consider Easing Establishments' Operations In GCQ

Provided that businesses adhere to government protocols and health parameters, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Tourism (DOT) are considering the proposal of the increased operational capacity of hotels, restaurants, and other establishments in the General Community Quarantine (GCQ).

This is also to help more workers have jobs and sources of income while most areas in the country remain in GCQ.

“In such case that GCQ might be extended for much longer, DTI and DOT are also considering to increase the operating capacity of these establishments we are inspecting. This can be done even in GCQ, provided that compliance to the health and safety guidelines remains high and the health statistics in the country remain stable and manageable,” DTI Secretary Ramon Lopez said.

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“Given those conditions, we can confidently propose an increase in the working capacity moving forward. The higher operating capacity, the more jobs and sources of income we can provide for our workers,” Sec. Lopez added.

The Trade Secretary issued this statement after DTI and DOT conducted monitoring of selected hotels and restaurants in Ortigas Center on 1 July 2020. They were joined by Pasig Representative Roman Romulo, Mayor Victor Sotto, and Mandaluyong Mayor Carmelita Abalos.

Businesses stepping up during GCQ

During the inspection, DOT Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat commended the efforts of businesses in following the health standards issued by the government.

“I commend the collective efforts of our stakeholders to abide by the prescribed health and safety guidelines. It is important for us to sustain these efforts as they will influence how we rebuild consumer trust and regain tourist confidence in the Philippines,” Secretary Puyat said.

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She was also encouraged by how the establishments have stepped up to keep the brand of Filipino hospitality even “while we are still in the midst of this pandemic,” she added.

With the approval of Inter-Agency Task Force for the management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), dine-in establishments in the GCQ were allowed to operate at 30 percent so that businesses can gradually reopen while getting accustomed to the safety protocols.

Source: DTI