COVID Lockdown stories: Escape from Baguio

Last March 16, 2020, Pres. Duterte declared an enhanced community quarantine for the whole Luzon region. In other words, a lockdown between cities, provinces and towns. I was at work when I heard the news and couldn't immediately leave Baguio since it was around 7pm already. Victory bus liner have halted its operations and it will just be a matter of hours before the other bus liners do the same. On my way home around 10pm, the FX taxi driver told me there are few buses already in Gov. Pack. Upon arriving home, my wife and I have decided to stay in Baguio until the quarantine has been lifted in April 14.

The following day, no FX taxi and jeepneys can be found on the terminals. People in our condominium compound are beginning to do mass exodus through private vehicles. The family decided to stay and I immediately went to CAAA supermarket. I started walking until the Upper Gate and was able to fetched a colorum taxi to go to the supermarket. CAAA is full packed with people panic buying with stuffs from foods, beverages, tissues, meat, etc. I only got the essential stuff with Bubu's milk being the most essential. Then onto to the long journey back to our place, a 3 km upward trek in the outskirts of Camp 7. Stores near the Bakakeng Norte jeepney are already closing as early as 2:00 pm. 

At the evening of the March  17, a quick of FB search of van rentals in Baguio City led me to a certain group. I hurriedly contacted them on the same night but did not received any reply. In the morning of March 18, my wife's 37th birthday, I called the van rental owner and luckily got a reply. The owner is sending a driver to our place by 10am. We hurriedly pack our stuff, ate breakfast, fixed the clearances from the condominium admin. As soon as our driver, Kuya Jose, arrives, we dumped all our stuff in the van and bid a good bye to the North Cambridge condominium. 

First stop is at the Baguio City Hall to secure travel pass. You will know that many attempting to get out of Baguio City as there is no parking lot and many people are in line. One office will provide one form for each passenger where personal info and health conditions will be declared. A second line at the lobby of the city hall is intended for interview prior to the approval and issuance of the travel. Luckily, Kuya Jose knows somebody in the office and was able quickly secure the travel passes. 

Next stop is McDonalds behind the city hall for some take-out lunch. Now, off to Tarlac. First checkpoint is near the exit of Marcos Highway. The military personnel had a quick glance on our travel pass then it is a go. Second stop is in Pugo, La Union where the vehicles are being stopped by PNP personnel. Inspections on the number of passengers were made, temperatures were checked and travel clearances inspected. Third stop happened in Pozzorubio, Pangasinan with almost the same thing happening like in the 2nd stop. It was an hour an a half travel in SCTEX before we made our exit in Capas where we met the last PNP checkpoint. 

It was eerily silent in Tarlac City where the only people you see are the barangay personnel and the policemen. It was a big sigh of relief once we stopped in front of our beloved house. After unloading our stuff from the van, I paid Kuya Jose of the agreed rate plus some tip. He needs to get back to Baguio before 9pm as border might closing. 

The usual perks of going back home like buying strawberries, eating at our favorite fastfood chain and taking countryside pictures. Nothing comforts more than being in the confines of your home, sanctuary and safe zone. It is also helpful to have an understanding employer. This is just the start of an impending pandemic. Nobody knows what will happen in the next days, weeks, months or even years.