Travelers to Dumaguete still need a “certificate of acceptance” and a negative RT-PCR test to enter the city, according to Mayor Felipe Remollo.

This is despite new guidelines issued by the government coronavirus task force simplifying travel requirements. A certificate of acceptance is a document required by some local governments as proof that a traveler had coordinated with them and had satisfied their requirements prior to arrival. 

Remollo, in remarks to local reporters Thursday, March 4, said that issuing the certificate would allow the city government to monitor those arriving and ensure that they are not infected with COVID-19. He is expected to release an executive order on the new requirements, according to Yes The Best Dumaguete 106.3 FM.

The document is also meant to prevent travelers from presenting fake RT-PCR results, Remollo said. “Daghan kaayong incidents of fake nga RT-PCR result. So at least, we have one day to verify kung fake ba o dili (There are so many incidents of fake RT-PR results. So at least, we have one day to verify if it is fake or not),” he said. 

The mayor said that retaining the requirement is the “most logical” way for Dumaguete to comply with the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases’ (IATF-EID) new guidelines, which standardized domestic travel requirements nationwide. OCTA Research Group has earlier expressed concern on the easing of travel restrictions as some areas had seen a spike in coronavirus infections.

“We just have to trust the wisdom of the national IATF, also to help business and trade and tourism kay naa na man pu’y, hinay-hinay naman pud ug sulod ang mga vaccines (We just have to trust the wisdom of the national IATF, also to help business and trade and tourism, since the vaccines are starting to trickle in),” he said.

As with the IATF-EID directive, Dumaguete City does not require travelers to undergo mandatory quarantine unless they show symptoms of COVID-19. 

Remollo also clarified that travelers do not need documents such as a travel authority from the Philippine National Police and a health certificate to enter the city.

The national IATF-EID left local governments with the discretion to still require negative RT-PCR tests upon entry. Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo retained this requirement in an executive order issued March 2. 

However, the executive order does not specify the need for a certificate of acceptance. Other towns, such as Guihulngan City, do not need a certificate but only need prior coordination with the local government.

Dumaguete City is the capital and gateway to Negros Oriental, Central Visayas’ largest province in terms of land area. Tourism is among the province’s biggest draws, featuring beaches and popular dive sites such as Apo Island. As of March 3, Dumaguete City has 27 active COVID-19 cases, while Negros Oriental has 142 active cases, according to the Provincial Health Office. – Rappler.com