I agree with Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez who is opposing the recommendation to limit the movement of unvaccinated persons amid the threats of the Delta variant of the coronavirus disease 2019.

Lopez is right in saying this is not yet the time to implement such a policy given the supply situation of the COVID-19 vaccines.

The recommendation might be a good move when we reach that point that there is so much vaccine available and more supply than the demand.

This can be done in the future to encourage those unvaccinated individuals to get their COVID-19 jabs, the Trade chief explained.

In Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu, an executive order was issued that requires residents to present their vaccination cards upon entering markets — limiting the movement of those unvaccinated persons.

Due to low turnout in vaccination sites, Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard Chan said this policy aims to encourage their constituents to get vaccinated.

Government data show the country administered over 18 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines as of July 27. On Tuesday, the country also reported a record-high vaccine administration of 659,029 jabs in a day.

Amid the threat of the Delta variant of COVID-19 meanwhile, the business community in Cebu has welcomed the commitment made by President Rodrigo Duterte to revive the pre-pandemic “commercial vibrance” in the country.

Felix Taguiam, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), expressed support for the President’s assurance to help local businesses recover from the pandemic.

The business leader also cited the recognition made by Duterte, who recently delivered his final SONA, on the private sector’s role in fighting the pandemic.

He urged the administration to address challenges being faced by various sectors in the business community.

There is still much to be done to address the cost of doing business in the country as it remains a challenge.

The government should put more focus on the development of these areas that make our country and our cities a much better place to live in.

The utilities sector is an essential industry that plays a vital role in economic and social development, yet, it remains an area our country has been struggling with in terms of cost and supply.

On the other hand, Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) president Steven Yu said they were pleased to hear Duterte’s appreciation to private stakeholders in the COVID-19 fight.

Yu also expressed hopes for the recovery of the tourism and domestic service sectors, which have been severely affected by the crisis.

Yu said the tourism industry plays a crucial role in the country’s economic recovery, and urged for more focus on helping the industry post-pandemic.

Cebu business leaders agreed that existing laws passed during the Duterte administration, such as the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery Act of 2018, have helped the businesses.

Duterte has urged the Congress to prioritize the bills for the amendments of the Foreign Investments Act, Public Service Act, and Retail Trade Liberalization Act.

These laws, once amended, would open the country to more foreign investment and ownership.

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