Mayor Armando Lauro issued Executive Order Number 01 series 2021 establishing the general guidelines governing the operation of particular tourism sites and activities in the municipality from January 7 to February 7, 2021.
But even with the national imposition of the GCQ, the tourist sites will still be open following stricter guidelines of the GCQ so that the livelihood of the tourism sector which has already been started, will not be sacrificed, he said.
As provided in the GCQ guidelines of the Provincial Inter-agency Task Force, the operation of tourist destinations is subject to the approval of the local government where it is located.
One the economic pillars of the town is agro-tourism and Lauro said they want to promote that. Tublay is a fifth class municipality which the local government hopes to level up through its agro-tourism programs.
In as much as tourism activities already took off and for livelihood considerations, Lauro said the amelioration funds have already been exhausted and that they could no longer provide for the people.
The tourist sites that are open are the Ahonda Caves, Rock Formations and Jungle Adventure in Tuel, Century Balete Tree in Tuel, Ridge Café, Polig’s Berry Farm and the Giant Kettle Coffee Shop in Ambassador including the view deck along Kilometer 21.
WINACA Eco-Cultural Village and Forest Homes decided to open by March after the imposition of the GCQ.
The Asin Hot Springs in Tuel which used to be open volunteered for its temporary closure for the fixing of its facilities to accommodate the influx of tourists as the management is having difficulty imposing social distancing, according to Lauro.
The local government validated the local sites, and conducted orientation to the agri-tourism sector and adherence to protocols and maintain stricter and prudent implementation of guidelines.(JDP/SCA-PIA CAR,Benguet)
By Susan C. Aro