The first Philippine Airlines special flight from Manila to the Bacolod-Silay International Airport for fully vaccinated individuals began Monday, October 18, Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz said Tuesday.
The provincial government has asked PAL not to sell tickets for the special flights online to enable Negrenses to have a chance to locally avail of the cheap rates being offered, he said.
Fully vaccinated passengers on the special flights do not need to present negative RT-PCR test results, he said.
Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson had granted the request of PAL to mount the special flights for fully vaccinated individuals from October 18 to November 29.
All passengers of the special flights will be given a special discounted rate of P3,750 all-in-fare.
The special flights will depart from Manila at about 8 a.m. and will arrive at the Bacolod-Silay International Airport at around 9:20 a.m. every Monday and Friday.
Diaz said Vallacar Transit Inc. has also asked for permission to resume its bus operations between Negros Occidental and Oriental.
The Negros Occidental provincial government is waiting for Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo to approve the same system that allows fully vaccinated individuals to travel without negative RT-PCR test results for COVID-19
However, those who have not been fully vaccinated must present negative RT-PCR test results valid within 72 hours prior to arrival, he said.
There has to be a reciprocal system between both provinces, he said.*