Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson today, February 22, said he will listen to the request of Mayor Ernesto Estrao on the easing of border controls between Hinoba-an town in Negros Occidental and Basay and Bayawan City in Negros Oriental.
“Should Mayor Estrao make the request, I will listen to his proposal,” Lacson said.
Estrao on Sunday said he is eyeing the opening of the border of Hinoba-an in southern Negros Occidental to residents of Bayawan City and Basay for a maximum of 12 hours a day for essential business.
He will discuss the matter with Lacson, and mayors Henry Teves of Bayawan and Maki Cañamague of Basay, Estrao said.
Lacson has an existing executive order closing the borders between Negros Occidental and Oriental as a deterrent against the spread of COVID-19, but is expected to make some amendments that will take effect March 1.
Lacson last week said the provincial government will ease the border control between Kabankalan City in Negros Occidental and Mabinay town in Negros Oriental starting March 1.
Residents of Mabinay will be allowed to enter Kabankalan for up to 12 hours a day only for essential business.
Meanwhile, Lacson said the San Carlos City government has restored its border control with Vallehermoso, Negros Oriental, that it lifted earlier.
The governor said he recommended that the Kabankalan-Mabinay set up wherein 12-hour visits will be allowed also be adopted in San Carlos, but no decision has been made yet.*