Tourist lockdown in 2 Cordillera towns lifted

TUGUEGARAO, Philippines — Two municipalities in the Cordilleras have been reopened to tourists weeks after a lockdown was imposed due to the  coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19.

With the ban lifted, tourists are expected to flock to Sakura Park in Atok, Benguet for the Cherry Blossoms Festival next month, and to the hanging coffins in Sagada, Mountain Province.

Atok Mayor Raymundo Sarac lifted the ban on Thursday, while Sagada Mayor James Pooten Jr. on Friday.

The lockdown in Atok started on Feb. 6, while in Sagada on Feb. 13.

The decisions of the municipal governments to close their towns to tourists were prompted by reports of confirmed COVID-19 cases in the country.