Guimaras opens Tacay Wharf for construction materials

The province of Guimaras has opened another port to hasten the delivery of construction materials needed for various infrastructure programs on the island.

Governor Samuel T. Gumarin signed Executive Order No. 46 on May 8, 2020 green lighting the entry of specific materials at Tacay Wharf in Buenavista town.

The wharf shall be used solely for the entry or delivery of construction aggregates (sand and gravel).

Gumarin said the step would hasten the delivery of goods to the province which maintains strict control of its borders despite being under the more relaxed General Community Quarantine (GCQ) amid the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) crisis.

“Kinahanglan nga indi ma-hamper ang paghatag naton sang serbisyo sa mga pumuluyo sang Guimaras despite this COVID-19 pandemic. Importante ang mga construction materials para sa mga proyekto naton nga kinahanglan magpadayon sa pihak sang sitwasyon naton sa karon,” Gumarin said.

He, however, emphasized that the entry of people via Tacay Wharf is strictly forbidden.

Apart from Tacay Wharf, there are four other active ports of entry to Guimaras – Jordan Wharf, Jordan Ro-Ro Wharf, Buenavista Wharf, and Puyo Wharf in Nueva Valencia which shall be utilized for cargoes only.

Guimaras was placed under GCQ beginning May 1, 2020, but with regulations on the entry of individuals to the island.

Only returning residents who had to enter the province beginning March 15, 2020 and who do not exhibit symptoms referable to COVID-19 will be allowed entry, but they shall comply with the mandatory quarantine regulations.

Non-residents of the island shall only be allowed entry if the purpose of travel is to transport basic commodities and necessities; emergency cases; or some meritorious cases deemed reasonable by the Provincial Government provided that they are clear of COVID-19 infection.