Due to the continuing surge in Covid-19 cases, Mayor Beng Climaco issued on March 31 an executive order providing guidelines for all kinds of social gathering and similar events in the city of Zamboanga.

Under Section 5 of Executive Order 645-2021, a maximum of 50 persons only are allowed to attend private social activities such as but not limited to anniversaries, birthdays, baptism, private functions and meetings and other related events.

All requests shall be submitted to the City Tourism Office through its email address at turisomolocal.promotions@gmail.com together with the following requirements.

Letter of Intent indicating the (a) date of activity, (b) name and age of celebrant, and (c) the venue, which shall be submitted one week before the event. Social activities celebrants (celebrators) under age 15 or over 65 shall not be allowed; floor plan with seating arrangement (with adequate social distancing of 1-2 meters); and Provide 4 copies of the request.

The City Tourism Office shall then forward all requests to the ZCDRRMO for approval and releasing of permits, or denial of the request.

Facility operators and event organizers are enjoined to strictly the number of attending guests and should ensure that all guests conform to all health and safety protocols. The barangay officials and PNP have been directed to monitor the social activities, gatherings and events within their area of responsibility.

Similar number of attendees (50 people), requirements and processing are likewise set for MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) related activities for government agencies, humanitarian organizations with government/public related functions and/or Covid-19 related activities as provided for under Sec.6 of the said order.

Section 7, meanwhile, provides that social activities, events, gatherings celebrated at home shall be limited to a maximum of 10 persons only. The guidelines, requirements are the same as enumerated in Sec.5.Section 8 sets the guidelines for all resort establishments and Section 9 for restaurants and bars to limit their customer capacity to 50% and all must observe physical distancing, wear face masks and face shields, among other safety protocols.

Liquor ban is implemented from Monday to Sunday under Section 10 of EO 645 and Ordinance 532 as amended by Ordinance 535.All business establishments, restaurants and other food establishments are directed to strictly enforce the “No Face Mask, No Face Shield, No Entry Policy.”-(Vic Larato)