Gov. Arthur Yap writes to the top honchos of the three (3) airline companies to resume regular domestic flights in a move seen as calibrating the restart of Bohol’s economy that essentially relies on tourism. The move also seems to be a way to get airline cheaper fares for those who want to enter the province.
The Bohol Panglao International Airport (BPIA) will be reopened to domestic flights but incoming airline trips will carry only locally stranded individual (LSI), overseas Filipino worker (OFW) and authorized person outside residence (APOR).
Observers have regarded the move to bring back the flights as a way to address the complaints of the LSIs and OFWs, against the current expensive airplane fare amid the economic hardship due to the pandemic.
At present, only sweeper and chartered flights are allowed to fly in and out of Bohol, but the special flights reportedly cannot accommodate the number of passengers who wants to enter Bohol, not to mention the more costly airfare.
Yap requested the three (3) commercial airlines in a letter signed by Provincial Administrator Kathyrin Fe Pioquinto on the governor’s behalf.
The letter was addressed to Gilbert Santa Maria, president and chief operating officer of the Philippine Airlines; Ricardo Isla, chief executive officer, AirAsia Philippines; and Lance Gokongwei, president and chief executive officer, Cebu Pacific Air.
The riding public has been clamoring for the reopening of regular domestic flights at the BPIA.
Moreover, the governor would want the regular domestic flights back following consultation with the management of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, which presently operates the BPIA.
He specifically asked the three (3) airline companies for “a calibrated reopening of commercial domestic flights” at the BPIA.
This is essentially likewise “in furtherance of our earnest desire to slowly reinstate and bring forward the economy of Bohol,” the governor told the airline executives.
However, Yap clarified that the resumed flights shall be limited, for the time being, to transport only LSIs, OFWs and/or returning overseas Filipinos, and APORs.
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Minimum health protocols shall be strictly implemented such as, but not limited to, social distancing, wearing of face mask and shield as well as proper disinfection or sanitation.
Moreover, all passengers shall be required to secure all necessary clearances and documentary requisites before they are allowed to board the plane bound for Bohol.
Furthermore, prior coordination with the Bohol Inter-Agency Task Force (BIATF) shall be necessary before any passenger is allowed entry into the province.
The prior coordination should be done to ensure that all pertinent national IATF and BIATF policies, rules, regulations and issuances are faithfully observed and complied with.
Yap added that it is equally necessary for prior coordination between the LSIs, OFWs and APORs and their receiving LGUs.
The governor is awaiting positive responses from the three airlines, which had regular domestic operations at the BPIA before the Coronavirus disease plagued the country.
He had earlier said Bohol’s economy and tourism need to gradually, yet decisively. Reopen.
Bohol government’s decision to resume regular domestic flights comes on the heels of the successful first hybrid Philippine Travel Exchange (PhiTEX) hosted by the province in Panglao island.
Reports say the major trade travel event that happened despite the pandemic is in full swing and has already generated close to P17 million in bookings, according to a top national tourism official.
Other stakeholders believed that by containing the Covid threat and faithfully complying with the protocols, Bohol cannot remain afraid to reopen its borders to tourists. (with reports from Ven rebo Arigo)