In view of the anticipated resumption of trips and flow of passengers in MOC Ports tentatively after the termination of the General Community Quarantine (GCQ) on 15 May 2020, the Port Management Office of Misamis Oriental/Cagayan de Oro has undertaken steps to ensure and maintain public safety in its Passenger Terminal Buildings (PTBs) amid the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic.
Training for Disinfection
The City Health Office has granted the PMO MO/C’s request for a training on disinfection in the Port of Cagayan de Oro particularly for its large Passenger Terminal Building.
Personnel of the City Health Office conducted the training on 05 May 2020 in the PTB. The said training was participated by the PMO personnel especially those who are assigned in the PTB, porters, personnel of the cargohandling operator, Oroport Cargohandling Services, Inc., representatives of shipping lines, and the security personnel.
The City Health Office made emphasis on the importance of hand washing. He recommended the use of pedal type faucets where the foot is used to turn on and off the water supply.
Coordination Meeting
The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) also called for an inter-agency meeting on 06 May 2020 primarily for the preparation of the port and maritime community for the resumption of operations after the termination of GCQ. The participants were reminded to strictly observe the established health protocols while on field.
Physical Preparations
Even during the Community Quarantine and no more passengers are using the PTB, the PMO still ensures the cleanliness of the said facility through daily cleaning and disinfection activities.
Painting of markers are ongoing that will serve as demarcation lines among passengers while queueing in line towards the pre-departure area to observe social/physical distancing. Additional footbaths were crafted as well as portable handwashing stations were in-placed.
During this resumption of operations under the “new normal”, all outbound and inbound passengers shall be required to wear face masks and undergo temperature screening at the ports.
Installation of Public Wi-Fi
The PMO has ongoing coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) for the latter’s proposed installation of free public Wi-Fi at the Ports of Cagayan de Oro.
The installation of the free public Wi-Fi is in pursuance to Republic Act 10929, “Act Establishing the Free Internet Access Program in Public Places in the Country and Appropriating Funds Therefor,” of which the DICT is the implementing body.
This service is on top of the free wifi connection being provided by the PMO. Provision of free internet access to the passengers and port stakeholders will enable them to stay updated on news and updates online especially about the current health emergency brought by COVID-19.
UPDATE:
On 11 May 2020, Port Manager Isidro V. Butaslac, Jr. together with the Division Managers key personnel and representatives of shipping lines and porters’ association conducted a walk through of the passenger flow in the PTB (both departure and arrival). This is to ensure compliance with the requirements of social/physical distancing and health and sanitation protocols to help contain and prevent spread of the presently dreaded COVID19; and for generally organized entry and exit of passengers in the Port.
During the walk through, strategic location of footbaths and handwash stations were reviewed; priority lane for senior citizens, PWDs, and pregnant women was importantly designated; more paint markings to indicate distancing inside the PTB and in the parking area/ PUV queueing area were recommended; among others.