Cordova, Badian reopen tourist sites

CEBU, Philippines —  The Municipality of Cordova, with the Provincial Tourism Task Force, has finally reopened its tourism activities in the town yesterday offering two tour packages for guests.

The Dance with the Marine Life in Gilutongan Marine Sanctuary offers a four-hour tour for P1,250 per person with a maximum of eight persons per group.

The other tour package - Sing with the Mangroves in Nalusuan Island - charges P1,020 per person for a 2-3-hour tour. A maximum of eight persons per group is the only allowed capacity.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia attended the reopening that Cordova Mayor Mary Therese Sitoy-Cho and other municipal officials spearheaded.

Sitoy-Cho said reopening the tourism in Cordova, despite the pandemic brought by coronavirus disease, is challenging.

But she pointed out that they must "move on" and bring back the livelihood of those who are dependent on the tourism industry that are affected by the pandemic.

"Kahibalo ta nga naa pa ang virus, kahibalo ta nga naa pa ang atong kaaway nga dili nato makita, but we have to move on.  We have to resuscitate our economy. So, we just have to follow protocols and guidelines" Sitoy-Cho said during her speech at the relaunching of their tourism activity.

Meanwhile, the Municipality of Badian is also preparing for the reopening of the Kawasan Falls.

Donald Villarin, the town's tourism officer, said the falls are limited only for sightseeing activities, as swimming is not yet advised.

"The new booking system to visit this tourist attraction will ensure that there will be no crowds and you will be able to enjoy the sights with little disturbance from others or worries about social distancing," said Villarin, in his Facebook post.

Selling of food and drinks is not allowed in the area to "minimize congregation of people in certain places."

Villarin said there will be provisions to be implemented in making sure of the safety and security of the visitors.

Going to tourism sites in the Province must be booked online first through the website www.discover.cebu.gov.ph. — GAN (FREEMAN)