THE GOOD news is – my home island-province of Bohol – will reopen to domestic tourists starting November 15. The caveat: They should test negative for the novel coronavirus.
“Magbubukas na po para sa turismo ang island paradise na Bohol mula po a-kinse ng Nobyembre,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said in a recent online briefing aired from Bohol.
In a news item, “Presidential spokesperson Roque shows a card with a quick response code to be presented in tourist sites and accommodation establishments. Bohol Governor Art Yap says this will be used for contact tracing in light of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
In an interview over Kwentas Klaras, Tuesday morning this week, Dr. Yul Lopez, chief of the Health Cluster and spokesperson of the Bohol Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging and Infectious Diseases said, “The trip of domestic tourists are managed and should follow the much-vaunted ‘bubble within a bubble’”. This means, travelers stick to a pre-planned itinerary and stay only in accredited establishments in Panglao for the duration of their trip. Staycation is encouraged.
Meanwhile, Yap said tourists who plan to visit the island must present a 72-hour negative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) COVID-19 test result before setting foot on the province.
“So, if you have a valid negative PCR test result, then you can register, let us know about that, mabibigyan kayo ng QR [quick response] code. You will use that QR code to register then you can now book your stay with accredited establishments”, Yap explained.
Yap likewise encouraged interested domestic tourists to register and get their QR codes via tourism.bohol.gov.ph.
Yap further explained that do-it-yourself trips that were the vogue before the health crisis hit the country and the world, are no longer allowed. However, the local government will provide guided itineraries to travelers.
Strict safety and health protocols will still be implemented and followed even with the reopening of Bohol to domestic tourism.
It will be recalled that Panglao, Bohol opened to local tourists in June, this year (Panglao opens to local tourists, 06/26/2020). The local chief executive (LCE) of Panglao classified local tourists as those coming from the capital city of Tagbilaran and other municipalities.
Two reasons prodded the LCE to open Panglao to local tourists: 1) Panglao is COVID-Free; and 2) The impact of the economic slump is felt by Panglao, the municipality’s constituency, and the business sector.
With Panglao’s reopening to local tourism in June, this year, patrons and customers were also reminded to religiously follow all health and safety protocols as they dine in restaurants or billet in resorts. Panglao likewise implemented a contact-tracing registration scheme for everyone who gets inside the island-municipality who’s not a resident.
The reopening of Panglao to local tourists saw Boholanos enjoying the amenities of the place sans international tourists.
Like I thought in the past, the Boholano community helped mitigate the economic loss by patronizing restaurants and resorts available in Panglao. Since then up to November 14, 2020, the amenities of Panglao are exclusive for Boholanos. It’s a first after an exceptionally long time!
I hope that Boholano families had their fill of the fun and perks of being exclusive guests for the past couple of months. Starting November 15, 2020 and onwards, the scene will be altogether different as domestic tourists start to arrive to frolic under the sun.
I commend the policy makers for this decision. It’s time to move on and live with COVID-19. Let’s just always remember never ever to relax on our health and safety protocols.
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Special thanks to Third Generation CRESPAT Heirs – heirs of the late World War II veteran Crescencio Aleman Lungay and teacher Pateria Daray Calope of Balilihan, Bohol.
This group of dynamic professionals has retained the qualities and old-fashioned values of their grandparents.
Thank you for supporting your fellow grandchild (apo) in her latest professional pursuit: Woman Talk over 98.3 Home Radio General Santos.
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Food for Thought
NOT every day is a good day, live anyway.
NOT all you love will love you back, love anyway.
NOT everyone will tell the truth, be honest anyway.
NOT all deals are fair, play fair anyway. – lessonslearnedinlife.com
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Writer can be reached at belindabelsales@gmail.com. Twitter @ShilohRuthie./PN
