DTI pushes reopening of more small businesses

MANILA, Philippines ? The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) wants more businesses such as review centers, internet shops, gyms, establishments offering other personal grooming services, pet grooming services and drive-in cinemas to be allowed to operate in general community quarantine (GCQ) areas as part of the gradual reopening of the economy.

Trade Secretary Ramon Lopez, in a Viber message to reporters yesterday, said DTI is recommending to the Inter-Agency Task Force on the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF) the opening of more sectors in GCQ areas.

“[There will be] movement of sectors from Category IV to Category III so they can reopen under GCQ with 30 percent operating capacity, unless specified otherwise,” he said.

Among the sectors recommended by DTI are testing, tutorial and review centers, internet cafes, gyms, fitness centers and sports facilities.

DTI is likewise pushing for the reopening of establishments offering other personal grooming such as hair, nail and skin care services except full body massage, and pet grooming services.

In an interview with Teleradyo yesterday, Lopez said drive-in cinemas also form part of those recommended to be allowed to operate in GCQ areas.

DTI came up with the recommendation following consultations with other agencies.

The IATF in its Resolution 56 dated July 16 gave the DTI authority to reclassify industries under Category IV to Category III as may be deemed necessary.

Reclassification of industries would be done in consultation with the Department of Finance, Department of the Interior and Local Government and the Department of Tourism.

Activities listed under Category III include financial services, legal and accounting, management consultancy, architecture and engineering, scientific and research development, non-leisure services, as well as barbershops and salons.

Meanwhile, those listed as part of Category IV and are not allowed to operate under GCQ include gyms or fitness studios, internet and computer shops, education establishments like testing, tutorial and review centers, cinemas, theaters, karaoke bars, libraries, museums, tourist destinations, travel agencies, personal care services and pet grooming services.