TACLOBAN CITY – The city government of Baybay in Leyte has issued an executive order outlining public health protocols and preventive measures aimed at curbing the spread of monkeypox (Mpox), in response to global alerts from the World Health Organization and national directives.

Baybay City Mayor Jose Carlos L. Cari signed Executive Order No. 05 on Monday, June 2, mandating the strict observance of minimum health standards in all government offices, facilities, and public transportation within the city.

The directive comes amid growing global concern over monkeypox, a viral disease characterized by fever, skin rashes, and lesions. The regional office of the Department of Health (DOH) earlier confirmed that eight suspected cases in Eastern Visayas tested negative for Mpox. The result of one pending sample from Maasin City, Southern Leyte, is still awaiting release.

Under the executive order, wearing of face masks remains voluntary but is mandatory for individuals showing symptoms such as fever, rashes, or lesions. Face masks are also required for passengers inside enclosed and air-conditioned public utility vehicles throughout their travel.

All government facilities and establishments are required to provide hand sanitizers with at least 70% alcohol content or functional handwashing stations. Public gatherings—including trainings, seminars, and conventions—are permitted, provided that organizers ensure participants are properly informed of safety protocols.

Travelers entering or exiting the port of Baybay City will undergo thermal scanning. Those exhibiting symptoms will be asked to provide information for health assessment and contact tracing.

The order also mandates routine disinfection of public offices and vehicles, following standards set by the City Health Office (CHO).

Government offices are instructed to closely monitor and report any employees displaying signs of monkeypox. Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERTs) are urged to intensify surveillance efforts and coordinate with the CHO to detect potential cases at the community level.

Senior citizens and individuals with underlying health conditions are advised to avoid crowded or enclosed spaces to minimize infection risk.

To prevent supply shortages, the city’s Price Monitoring Committee has been tasked with ensuring the availability and price stability of face masks, sanitizers, and other essential commodities.

Private businesses and educational institutions are also directed to implement their own health protocols aligned with the provisions of the executive order.

Mayor Cari called on the community to cooperate fully, stressing that proactive action and unity are key to keeping Baybay City safe and prepared against emerging health threats.

JOEY A. GABIETA

TACLOBAN CITY – The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Eastern Visayas has issued a red tide warning for Matarinao Bay in Eastern Samar, advising the public to refrain from harvesting, selling, and consuming shellfish from the affected waters due to the presence of harmful algal blooms.

In an advisory issued on Monday, June 2, BFAR-8 Regional Director Dominador Maputol said laboratory analysis of filtered seawater samples collected from the bay tested positive for Pyrodinium bahamense, a toxic dinoflagellate known to produce saxitoxin, the toxin responsible for paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP).

“As a precautionary measure to safeguard human lives, we are urging the public to avoid gathering, selling, and eating all types of shellfish and Acetes species—locally known as alamang or hipon—from Matarinao Bay,” the advisory read.

The Matarinao Bay covers the towns of General MacArthur, Quinapondan, Hernani, and Salcedo.

BFAR clarified, however, that fish, squid, crab, and shrimp from the area remain safe for consumption provided they are fresh, cleaned thoroughly—particularly with entrails removed—and properly washed before cooking.

The agency assured residents and local government units (LGUs) that it is closely monitoring the affected bay to ensure public safety and prevent the risk of shellfish poisoning.

BFAR advised residents to remain vigilant and comply with the advisory until BFAR declares the waters safe again.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY— In anticipation of an influx of visitors for the 60th founding anniversary of Northern Samar and the peak of the Ibabao Festival, additional flights to the province have been approved for June 13 to 17, 2025.

The provincial government, led by Governor Edwin Ongchuan and Vice Governor Clarence Dato, announced the development following their formal request for extra flights to Catarman, citing increasing demand during one of the busiest weeks of the year.

“This is a timely boost for tourism and local business,” said the Provincial Media Office, noting that the surge in arrivals is expected as major anniversary events take place during the five-day span.

Among the highlights scheduled are: June 13 – Northern Samar Business Conference and Mutya san Ibabao Coronation Night; June 14 – Music Festival and a concert by Filipino rock icon Bamboo; June 15 – Grand Festival Dance Competition and Float Parade; June 16 – State of the Province Address by Governor Ongchuan and the Kauswagan Awards; and June 17 – closing activities

Currently, flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) operates direct flights from Manila to Catarman four times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays), and from Cebu via PAL’s connecting service on the remaining days (Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays).

With the additional flights in place from June 13 to 17, there will be two daily flights between Manila and Catarman, offering more flexible travel times for attendees and visitors. Full flight schedules are expected to be released shortly.

The provincial government encourages both locals and tourists to take advantage of the expanded air access and join in the festivities that celebrate Northern Samar’s cultural pride and development strides.

For more updates, the public is advised to follow official announcements from the provincial government of Northern Samar and Philippine Airlines.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)