Subic tourism firms start transition to ‘new normal’
UBIC BAY FREEPORT — Tourism-related busi nesses are coming back to life in this Freeport and are starting transition to the “new normal” after a long hiatus since March when the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was imposed in Luzon to stem the spread of the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Restaurants and food outlets are leading the way in rejuvenating the tourism scene here by opening their doors to the public, first with essential delivery service to clients, and lately with the much-awaited dinein convenience, said Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Wilma T. Eisma.
“It’s a painful struggle bringing businesses back to life, especially when we know that Covid-19 has not really gone away, but the economy should reopen lest we find ourselves in a more unsustainable position,” Eisma said over the weekend.
She said restaurants and other dine-in food outlets here are now allowed to open up to 75 percent of their capacity since Tuesday (July 21) under DTI Memorandum Circular 20-39, but the SBMA insists on safety protocols like social distancing, disinfection, thermal scans, as well as wearing of mask among pat r ons.
“These are things that may be inconvenient, but which businesses and other stakeholders here have to abide with. We have to adopt certain measures to protect ourselves and our community, and to continue living. That’s the new normal in Subic,”Eisma added.
The SBMA Business and Investment Group said it has allowed 44 restaurants and food outlets to offer dine-in services at 30 percent of their capacity since Subic eased down to general community quarantine (GCQ) in June 1, and then to 50% when restrictions were further relaxed under modified GCQ a month after.
Now, these establishments find that transiting to the new normal also required them to work their way up in attracting customers.
And that included setting up foot baths, thermal scanners, and alcohol dispensers for the public.
S&R Pizza manager Dennis Marasigan recalled that during the first time they opened their outlet under GCQ, it was only for take-outs and deliveries, with only 30 percent of their full workforce able to work.
“When the Subic Bay Freeport shifted to MGCQ, we started accepting dine-in
persons are allowed per vehicle with a maximum of 4 persons. To optimize the viewing experience for all our guests, each vehicle will be assigned their parking spots upon arrival depending on the size of their cars. Traffic marshals will assist guests and direct them to their designated spot.
Once parked, guests will be instructed to turn on their car’s FM radio to a specific frequency to broadcast the sound straight into their vehicles. Guests are also welcome to bring their own radio and other devices with FM capabilities. The venue can accommodate between 80 and 90 vehicles per screening, and individuals aged between 21 and 59 will be admitted in accordance with IATF Guidelines and Safety Protocols.
Enjoy the drive-in cinema experience. Buy your tickets now at https:/ / bit.ly/ SMCinemaDriveinTickets. All ticket purchases must be through the website. (PR)