Manila City Mayor Francisco Domagoso on Tuesday announced that the local government would allow tricycles, e-trikes and pedicabs to operate during the implementation of the Modified Enhanced Community Quarantine (MECQ) until August 18.
The Mayor made the announcement during his speech before members of the Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau who have been designated as COVID-19 safety marshals under MECQ.
He stressed that only one passenger was allowed in a tricycle and that both the driver and the passsenger must wear face masks, in compliance with City Ordinance 8627.
Domagoso said the decision was made to help tricycle, pedicab and e-trike drivers as the COVID-19 pandemic severly affects the livelihood of thousands.
The Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases had said that tricycles might operate under MECQ, subject to the guidelines set by the local government and the Department of the Interior and Local Government.
At the same time, Manila will employ the "blended distance learning" mode prescribed by the Department of Education for public schools in the nation's capital. Under this mode, modular and online learning will be combined.
Domagoso, believing that learning must continue despite the pandemic, expressed hope teachers would continue to hope that products of the public education system will be able to thrive.
“I’m a full blooded product of the public education system in the modern times. So there is hope for your students," Domagoso said during the Manila City Schools Division's first virtual Stakeholders’ Convergence with the theme “Pagpapanatili ng Bayanihan Tungo sa Kalidad na Edukasyon Para sa Kabataan.”
"Please continue to hope that someday, somehow, there will be billionaires, scientists, doctors, professionals and maybe leaders among your students. Continue to believe in that, continue to guide us, to educate us, and to serve us with good quality education,” Domagoso added.
Meanwhile, about 400 Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau enforcers have been designated as COVID-19 safety marshals in the nation's capital.
Domagoso led the deployment of COVID-19 safety marshals at the Kartilya ng Katipunan.
The Mayor said the COVID-19 safety marshals would assist the city's police and barangay officials in enforcing public health protocols under the MECQ.
He reminded the safety marshals of existing city laws mandating the use of face masks, compliance with physical distancing protocols, as well as general curfew.
"While you're still in government, I want you to see the Manila Clock Tower as a symbol of hope for our city,” he said.