The League of Cities of the Philippines, represented by its National President and Bacolod City Mayor Bing Leonardia, LCP Chairman and Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella, as well as other city mayors participated in the virtual consultation meeting with LGUs and members of the IATF regarding repatriated overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), locally stranded individuals (LSIs), and improving contact tracing efforts using data analytics platform of FASSSTER.
On the issue of management of LSIs, Mayor Leonardia clarified that LGUs will still be allowed to implement their local health protocols which was affirmed by Sec. Lorenzana. Mayor Labella relayed the process in Cebu City wherein they expedite the release of the medical certificate through close coordination between the LGU and the police for the issuance of the travel authority. Mayor Jerry Treñas expressed his openness for LSIs and OFWs to be tested in their city and help decongest Metro Manila.
Regarding protocols for accepting returning overseas Filipinos (OFs), Mayor Leonardia reiterated the importance of retesting individuals upon their return and implementing 14-day quarantine upon their arrival in the locality by citing the experience of Bacolod wherein 6 individuals were tested negative in Manila, but were positive in Bacolod. This was seconded by Marinduque Gov. Velasco who stated that PCR tests are not 100\% accurate. Sec. Lorenzana confirmed that LGU protocols will still be upheld.
Regarding the use of data for local decision-making, LCP Executive Vice-President and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte shared the clustered approach of her LGU in implementing localized lockdowns. Meanwhile, Mayor Isko Moreno shared about the innovative approaches of Manila City in maximizing rapid tests and conducting sitio-level lockdowns.
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay and Navotas City Mayor Toby Tiangco urged the IATF to fast-track the validation and turnaround time of results since they have experienced delays and backlogs in receiving results.
The agreements and consensus met during the dialogue will be elevated for further action of the national government.