The Department of Tourism has admitted that the decision of shifting NCR Plus to MGCQ still lies with the IATF while the local government unit can decide to waive Covid-19 testing upon entry.
Starting June, Baguio and Benguet will be open to tourists coming from areas under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
NCR Plus, which covers Metro Manila, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, and Laguna, was placed under general community quarantine (GCQ) with heightened restrictions until May 31.
The IATF is expected to make the decision today whether the Greater Manila Area is ready to shift to the less stringent MGCQ.
On Saturday, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III ruled out this possibility citing that the daily attack rate in Metro Manila remains at seven to eight cases per 100,000 population, higher than the ideal one to seven cases.
“Alam naman natin na ang Baguio very dependent on tourists at dahil bawal ang travel from NCR Plus for leisure, marami talagang naapektuhan,” said Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat in an interview.
The agency admitted that the decision of shifting NCR Plus to MGCQ still lies with the IATF while the local government unit can decide to waive Covid-19 testing upon entry.
“Kung magbukas na by June 1, maraming turistang pupunta and they will be able to help the different tourist spots and hotels, 'yung mga restaurants. So we are hoping that more tourists can go to Baguio and matutulungan ang mga businesses doon,” Puyat said.
Puyat traveled to the Summer Capital to conduct inspections on tourist attractions.
Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong, meanwhile, said that they do allow visitors but only if they follow health protocols.
The open tourist destinations are as follows:
●Camp John Hay
●Ili-Likha Artist Village
●Rose Garden
●Burnham Park
●Mirador Hill
●Haight's Place
●Sakura Park
●Northern Blossoms Farm
Earlier this month, Baguio and La Union formed a travel bubble called the “Summit and Sea” travel corridor. (See: Keeping tourism alive, Baguio and La Union form travel bubble )
Tags: #tourism, #BaguioCity, #NCRPlusBubble, #Covid19, #travelrestrictions