BoC issues ECCs at airport

IATF OKs DA-endorsed food transport protocol

THE Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases has approved the food resiliency protocol endorsed by the Department of Agriculture (DA) for faster movement of major food commodities to Metro Manila and other parts of Luzon. Agriculture Secretary William D. Dar said the protocol covers free movement of agricultural personnel such as farmers, fishers, employees of food processing and manufacturing companies, and food supply chain logistics providers. “Iniiwasan po natin na mayroong mabubulok na mga gulay at iba pang produkto dahil sa mabagal na galaw ng mga ito. Maliban dito, iniiwasan nating tumaas ang presyo ng mga pagkain at pangunahing bilihin (We are avoiding food wastage due to slow movement of cargo transport. We are also preventing higher prices for basic food commodities),” Mr. Dar said. Interior and Local Government Secretary Eduardo M. Año also issued an advisory to local governments units (LGUs) on Wednesday to ensure the uninterrupted movement of goods. “All LGUs are advised to adhere to protocols prescribed by the IATF and concerned NGAs (national government agencies) in ensuring food availability and sufficiency during the COVID-19 crisis,” Mr. Año said. —

THE BUREAU of Immigration has started issuing emigration clearance certificates (ECC) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport to minimize crowding at its office and physical contact between officers and holders of a temporary visitors visa. An ECC is issued to temporary visitors who stayed in the country for more than six months and holders of residence, work, or student visa who would like to leave the country “for good.” “We have put this temporary measure in place to prevent the influx of foreign nationals leaving the country who will be applying to process their ECCs, essentially minimizing physical contact with the traveling public,” Commissioner Jaime H. Morente said in a statement. Mr. Morente said they have also suspended biometrics capturing and issuance of special security registration numbers for processing of ECCs in observance of physical distancing. The commissioner assured that they still match the application with the derogatory database to ensure that the applicants have no pending obligation with the government. —