DAVAO CITY — One must wonder, what is being done in the Island Garden City of Samal for not having any recorded infection until this moment given its over 107,000 population and it is considered one of the best tourist destinations in Davao region.
Uknown to the world, Mayor Al David Uy was the first local chief executive to lock his city from outsiders when news about the Covid-19 pandemic took the headlines.
Samal was the first LGU in Davao region to shut its piers and resorts and other destinations when Davao region was still hosting tourists.
On January 29, Uy issued Executive Order No. 180 suspending the entry of group tours by foreign nationals/tourists coming from countries affected by Covid-19.
On March 19, Samal suspended the operation of all resorts on the island. Those found violating the order run the risk of having their business permits revoked.
The resorts’ guests were immediately advised to leave the island while the city government also assisted by providing boat rides to avoid stranded guests on the island.
When the lockdown was ordered, the city government only allowed emergency vehicles and Cargo trucks to board the ferryboat. No private vehicles/motorcycle and foot traffic were permitted on- board the ferry boat.
However, registered motorboats instead ferry the residents to Samal via the Sasa and Villarica wharf. It also ferried health care workers, frontliners, workers of industries/businesses who were allowed to operate as provided under the ECQ guidelines. And as a matter of procedure, everyone must present their Quarantine Pass or Working Pass and Company ID before boarding. They strictly followed the NO ID, NO BOARDING policy to keep everyone safe.
Two weeks ago, Uy ordered law enforcers to impound all motorboats/banca which are not registered in Samal. as of today April 21, 30 motorboats and private bancas were already impounded.
The order came with a price as some bleeding hearts were quick to criticize his order. However, Mayor Uy feels confident that their decision will be vindicated for as long as Samal Island will remain Covid-free.
When the regional lockdown was implemented, the vessel was only allowed to ferry cargo vehicles providing food for the people while residents were obliged to ride the motorboat only at Sasa wharf as they closed the Sta. Ana wharf entry.
Uy in an interview with Newsline revealed “cooperation among people, information, and participation are some of the most important precautionary measures as we geared to fight against Covid-19.”
The suspension of ferry boats and motorboats coming in and out of the city is still in place as the island cooperates with the regional ECQ which is in effect until April 26.
People on the island cooperate for they know, whenever emergency arises, a standby motorboat and ferry boat will cater to them.
The provincial government of Davao del Norte exempt Samal in the Covid-19 cluster as residents need to traverse Davao boundaries to go to the province because of its geographical location- as it now under Cluster 6 of Davao City.
Meantime, Davao del Norte Governor Edwin Jubahib delivered some 355,942 relief goods to Samal last week, as the island politically belongs to Davao del Norte.
The province of Davao del Norte previously registered nine positive cases, of it five have recovered and four under treatment since last month.
The province do not have new case since March 31.-Editha Z. Caduaya
