Isabela City pushes for stricter implementation of Staysafe.PH

By: Nilda T. Delos Reyes

ISABELA CITY, Basilan, Oct. 20 (PIA) - The Isabela City COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force headed by Mayor Sitti Djalia T. Hataman pushes for stricter implementation of Staysafe.PH as requirement to pass through different entry and exit points here.

Due to the increasing COVID19 infections, Isabela City has reverted to General Community Quarantine (GCQ) since Oct. 16 to 31. GCQ guidelines were strictly implemented to control the movements of individuals here and lessen the possible spread of COVID-19. Staysafe.Ph QR code was required to be presented in different checkpoints.

However, several complaints were received by DILG Isabela City prompting them to send letter to the LGU which called for an emergency meeting this morning.

Mayor Sitti Djalia T. Hataman presided the meeting and issues relative to the implementation of mandatory presentation of Digital QR code when passing through checkpoints were discussed and clarified.

Mr. Jamju Rivera, assistant CDRRMO and concurrent Local Economic Development, Investment and Promotion Officer (LEDIPO) explained that the use of Staysafe. PH is being implemented in reference to the DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2021-075 which requires the implementation on the use of Staysafe.Ph for cities and municipalities.

He added that Isabela City has also issued Executive Order No. 014 series of 2021 which is "An Order Requiring the Use of Staysafe. PH in Travelling to and from the City of Isabela, Basilan. This was signed by Mayor Sitti Djalia T. Hataman on May 24, 2021.

Executive Order No. 014 states it is necessary to further implement contact tracing measures for travelers coming to and from the city so as to prevent the further spread and transmission of COVID-19. It also states that all persons travelling to and from the City of Isabela, Basilan shall be required to download the Staysafe. Ph app in their respective mobile phones and register an account in the said app using their own mobile phone number. When travelling, their Staysafe.Ph QR code will be presented to the persons in-charge at the point of entry or exit in tge city for scanning everytime they travel to and from the City of Isabela.

Furthermore, the order states that no person shall be allowed to enter or exit the city without complying the forgoing requirements, unless exempted by law, rules and regulations. If a person has no android or smartphone, he/shall be required to fill up the required travel form to be provided at the point of entry or exit.

The local task force decided to strictly implement the StaySafe.Ph as mechanism and strategy in addressing COVID-19 outbreak. The task force also agreed that individuals who are travelling to and from the city will be asked for their vaccination card.

Vaccination card is not a requirement to travel but this is to urge unvaccinated individuals get vaccinated for their protection.

Mayor Sitti Djalia T. Hataman appealed to the public to cooperate and follow health protocols and quarantine guidelines and requirements.

"Ilang araw lang naman po ito kaya sana magtiis-tiis nalang po tayo, kung walang importanteng lakad huwag na pong lalabas,” she said.

As of October 19, Isabela City has 81 active confirmed COVID19 cases bringing the total of 1010 confirmed cases since the start of the pandemic. (NBE/EDT/NDR/PIA9-Basilan)