Bus trips not allowed yet

By Dolly Yasa

BACOLOD City – Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said bus trips from Negros Oriental are still not allowed as both provinces have yet to agree on health protocols.

But Lacson said they are considering opening the border with Negros Oriental but have yet to decide where and when.

The Inter Agency Task Force of Negros Oriental issued a resolution on Nov 15, 2021 approving the request of Vallacar Transit Incorporated (VTI) to resume operations covering the route Dumaguete City to Bacolod City and vice versa, via Mabinay and San Carlos City, provided that health and safety protocols are strictly enforced.

The Negros Oriental IATF, however, said there is a need to implement stricter health and safety protocols in order to prevent the spread of the deadly disease, especially in the transport sector

The two Negros provinces, including Bacolod City, are now under Alert Level 2 classification.

Lacson said the matter is now being studied by Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz, who is now in touch with VTI.

Asked if it will be opened this week, Lacson said “if they can come into an agreement already, we are ready to do that.”

For practical purposes, it must be the same protocols from both ends, he added.

Lacson said he expects the matter to be settled within the week.