Roman advises Bataan LGUs: No to narrow window hours in wet markets, grocery stores
Apr 20, 2020 @ 5:54
Bataan Rep. Geraldine Roman advised local government units in her province not to impose limited operating hours in public markets, grocery stores and pharmacies, as that would only result in bigger crowds and long queues.
“All local government units (LGUs) are therefore advised to discontinue ‘narrow or limited window period’ on the access to and operations of public and private establishments such as wet markets, supermarkets, grocery stores and pharmacies.
Roman said the imposition of such restrictions “further creates congestion of people who flock to these establishments at the same time, and poses risks on the implementation of social distancing.”
Instead, she encouraged LGUs to schedule or cluster communities and barangays who may be allowed to go out to buy supplies.
Further, Roman urged LGUs to implement innovative measures to bring the market/goods closer to the people, subsequently limiting their movement and ensuring social distancing.
She said: “In partnerships with local producers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, LGUs are encouraged to adopt more responsive business models or arrangements, such as but not limited to the following:
• Online marketing and delivery of goods through the use of various online platforms;
• Community markets in subdivisions to be implemented in coordination with Home Owners Association (HOA); and,
• Market on wheels or mobile palengke, where vehicles with market goods can strategically be deployed to residential communities.”
