Baguio officials report smooth transition to GCQ

May 19, 2020

BAGUIO CITY -  The city's first day of transition from Enhanced Community Quarantine to General Community Quarantine was smooth, officials said Tuesday.

Reports from offices showed residents were generally disciplined, said Mayor Benjamin Magalong.

"People were naturally excited but still today's crowd turnout was still a far cry from how it was before COVID came and from what is now being experienced in other places," said Col. Allen Rae Co, Benguet police chief.

Co said there were  some lapses as people are adjusting to the new rules.

In Session Road, pedestrian traffic along the sidewalk was streamlined to facilitate physical distancing though a lot were unaware of the one-way rule.

Police warned that people can expect stricter monitoring and law enforcement.

Around 50 to 60 percent of the city's workforce returned to work, Co  said.

City Permits and Licensing Division head Allan Abayao said 81 percent of companies reopened, composed mostly of retail and manufacturing industries.  DMS