Davao City issues guidelines on events, meetings under GCQ

THE Davao City government urged all organizers of public and private events to review the guidelines on the conduct of activities under the newly implemented General Community Quarantine (GCQ) classification, particularly under the Private Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Events (MICE), and social events. 

The guidelines, which are available on the City Tourism Facebook Page and the Davao City Website, allow Private Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) but only up to 50 percent venue capacity while 30 percent for social events.

Generose Tecson, the Head of the Davao City Disaster Radio, City Tourism and Operations Office (CTOO), said that the CTOO together with the private sector has long prepared for the guidelines of the implementation of the social events in a limited capacity and encourages the organizers and people to be familiar with the guidelines.

“We are hoping na ating pong organizers at yun pong gusto mag-organize ng social events like personally- walang organizers basahin niyo nalang ang guidelines na nasa City Tourism Facebook Page at Davao City Website. Kumpleto po ang detalye, nakalagay po laha doon, at kung paano mag-apply for an event notice or special mayor’s permit for the MICE (We are hoping that the organizers who seek to organize social events or those who will not hire organizers to read the guidelines on the City Tourism Facebook Page and the Davao City Website. It has complete details. It also states how to apply for event notice and special mayor’s permit for the MICE),” Tecson said.

The CTOO already posted on October 1, 2021, on its official Facebook account–Davao City Tourism–the guidelines that detail the permits needed to be complied by the organizer, suppliers, talents, and specific requirements for those from outside Davao City. It has also specific guidelines for preparation and event proper of MICE and social events.

Event Notice for Social Event is required for debut and birthday parties, wedding ceremonies and receptions, engagement parties, wedding anniversaries, family reunions, bridal or baby showers. It must be complied with at least five working days before the event through the social event notice. It can be accessed at this link: https://forms.gle/Fi8ywKuc88ju5EeU8

A Special Mayor’s Permit is required for MICE such as workshops, trainings, seminars, congresses, conferences, conventions, board meetings, colloquia, conclaves, symposia, company/government recognitions, press conferences. The special mayor’s permit must be filed with the Business Bureau at least 15 working days before the event. Application for that permit can be done through this link: https://specialpermit.davaocity.gov.ph.

According to Section 9 of City Ordinance No.0581-21 Series of 2021, “An Ordinance Regulating Gatherings in the City of Davao and Providing Penalties Thereof”, a duration of up to eight hours of essential work, meetings, and events are allowed at 50 percent maximum venue capacity provided that the disinfection protocols shall be done during breaks.

Also, a duration of up to three (3) hours is allowed for social events and celebrations of personal milestones with a maximum venue capacity of 30 percent.

Based on the regulations set by CTO, MICE venues also have to comply with separate sets of permits.

Any violation of the Guidelines will subject the event organizers, event venue, event suppliers to the appropriate fines and penalties including the revocation of DOT accreditation, a business permit under the relevant rules and regulations.

The Davao City Guidelines are in support of the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) joint memorandum circular no. 2021-001.

The guidelines are also following the Davao City Ordinance No.0581-21 Series of 2021, An Ordinance Regulating Gatherings in the City of Davao and Providing Penalties Thereof approved on third and final reading by the 19th City Council on May 11 and was signed by Davao City Mayor Inday Sara on May 27, 2021. It can be accessed through: https://tourism.davaocity.gov.ph/guide/city-ordinances/ordinance-on-gatherings/.

Section 11 of the City Ordinance No.0581-21 Series of 2021 states that violation made by establishments and event organizers and individuals to the provisions of said ordinance is punishable by a maximum penalty of a fine of 5,000 and cancellation of business permit.

Tecson said that while the GCQ now allows the conduct of social events in a limited capacity, the continuity of the implementation of the same quarantine classification would still be highly dependent on the compliance of the public to the minimum public health standards.

It can be recalled that the City Government of Davao has filed cases to five establishments that were caught conducting weddings, birthday – social events which were  prohibited under General Community Quarantine with Heightened Restrictions. CIO