MR Clemacor bus company lends its buses to the City Government of Catbalogan to be used as Point to Point (P2P) Transportation during the enhanced community quarantine period.
The company that is based in Catbalogan City lent eight buses to the city as a helping hand in the LGU’s fight against the new Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Roderick Abaratigue, Officer-in-Charge for Operations, of MR Clemacor said, “The city originally wanted to rent the buses to be used as P2P transportation. However, even before the city approached us, we have foreseen and decided that should there be a need for buses we will gladly lend it.”
“Everyone’s cooperation is needed during these trying times. More than the profit, we are most interested in how we can help the government in their endeavours to contain the spread of COVID-19,” he added.
While the buses are rent free, the LGU will be the one to provide gasoline as its counterpart.Abaratigue also said that the management requested the city to ensure the drivers’ safety.As such, Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) are provided to the drivers.
“The buses will be disinfected after every trip to protect those who are going to ride the next trip,” City Mayor Dexter Uy said.We will also observe social distancing inside the bus to further protect the public,” he added.
Meanwhile, Roxanne Aboga, a mother of two and lives in one of the largest barangays of the city said, “I understand why they imposed the Enhanced community Quarantine. If we are still allowed to go out using our own vehicles, it will be convenient for anyone to stay outside. I think it defeats the purpose of the quarantine.”
“Actually, the buses are very useful. It may not be as convenient as before the quarantine was imposed but it helps a lot especially if you are from a far-flung barangay.”
On the other hand, Ceasar Tibar, a traffic enforcer assigned at the bus terminal said, “Had I been given the chance to stay home, I would but duty calls.”
“Here in Catbalogan private vehicles are not allowed to be used except if you are a frontliner. Everyone has to walk. But we have remote barangays with the P2P transportation, this lessens the distance that they have to walk through. I believe that this is really useful,” Tibar said
For now, there are five routes in the city. The buses will be from barangays San Andres, Silanga, Bunuanan, Lagundi, and San Vicente to which the end points will be at the Catbalogan Bus Terminal.
From the barangays, the buses will leave daily at 8 a.m., 9 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m.
On the other hand, the trips from terminal to the barangays will leave at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m., 4 p.m. and 6 p.m.
The P2P buses will continue to operate all throughout the duration of the Enhanced Community Quarantine period unless the buses need some repairs due to regular wear and tear of the vehicles.
