Oslob losing P35 million due to coronavirus

CEBU, Philippines —  The town of Oslob, Cebu has lost about P35 million in revenue from its tourism industry, after the community quarantine has been implemented since March this year due to COVID-19.

Oslob is known for its whale shark watching activity that entices both local and foreign tourists for the past years. But when COVID-19 hit Cebu, some industries were forced to temporarily close, including some tourism sites.

Oslob Mayor Jose “Jun” Tumulak said the pandemic has forced them to cut some of their funds for 2021. Oslob's tourism industry generated about P100 million in income.

Since the Province of Cebu has been placed under the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ), the Cebu provincial government has started efforts to resume the tourism activities in the province, setting protocols for the health and safety of the visitors and workers.

Under MGCQ, tourism activities are allowed given proper health protocols will be observed.

Unlike before where people can immediately go to the tourism destination, this time, walk-in tourist would not be allowed. Visitors should book online as the provincial government, together with the LGUs, will set online booking portal for the tourism activities in the province.

“If mag-line mo, naay one meter ang distansya sa usa ka tawo unya inig sulod nimo sa gate.  Moagi ka og thermal scanning, unya naa pay profiling, pangutan-on ka diin ka gikan, travel history, unya obserbahan ka, dili ba ka weak. Naa sad hand washing, foot bath ug uban pa nga health protocols,” Tumulak said.

In previous years, the whale shark watching in Oslob can accommodate 1,500 to 2,000 visitors a day, but with the health protocols in line with the guidelines set by the government, the tourism site will have to limit to a maximum 1,000 tourist a day.

There will be a uniform fee of P500 per head for the activity.

"Karon i-uniform na lang nga P500 whether mo salom ka or dili kay para dili magkakuan sa pag-booking. Kay inig booking nimo mag bayad ka ug 300 kay kuan ra, pag abot nimo didto sa lawod nausab imong huna-huna gusto ka mosawom, so na unsa naman na imong gi-booking?" Tumulak added.

He added they will have a virtual meeting together with the officials in Provincial Tourism Office and DOT today with regards to the online booking portal. Once it will be set, they will starting accepting visitors by next week.

Strategy

Meanwhile, the Cebu provincial government will be implementing a two-pronged strategy in protecting its constituents against the threat of the COVID-19 as it prepares to open its doors to tourism activities.

Governor Gwendolyn Garcia told resort owners and operators that the tourism reopening will be done with science and technology alongside health regimen to boost people’s immune system.

Garcia is set to sign EO 20-A outlining the protocols for the popular tourism activities in the province like whaleshark watching, snorkeling, trekking, spelunking or caving, diving, and island-hopping, among others.

Among the protocols set is for all resorts and other accommodation establishments to sanitize/sterilize their facilities using the ultraviolet germicidal light which is scientifically recognized to kill viruses, bacteria and dust mite.

As the province takes on rebranding as a "health and wellness destination," all guests must also be given healthy welcome drinks such as calamansi juice and ginger-turmeric tea, and other health regimen to boost the immune system.

According to Sugbo News Facebook account, aside from the facilities, safety gears and equipment are also required to be sterilized after every use. These are then stored in sterilized sealed containers which will be labeled or tagged for easy identification.   Frontline staff like receptionists, waiters, busboys, briefers and servers are required to wear face masks and face shields.

They shall be regularly checked prior to their shift through temperature checking and other applicable health checks.  Those exhibiting influenza-like symptoms shall be referred to the city or municipal health officers for proper handling and management.

Vehicles transporting guests to and from the destination sites must not be air-conditioned but if this is not possible, an air purification system should be installed in the vehicle.

Accommodation establishments shall strictly follow the 50-percent capacity and health protocols on social distancing, sanitation and handwashing.

Moving forward

Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-7 Assistant Secretary Aster Caberte said that the stakeholders’ meeting is geared towards moving forward from the four months of community quarantine, and assist local stakeholders in dealing with the pandemic’s impact.

Department of Tourism (DOT) 7 Director Shalimar Tamano also reminded the boat operators that they have to be accredited with DOT-Marina (Maritime Industry Authority) which is available free of charge.

The Capitol will make available a decompression chamber to Moalboal town where diving is already an important economic driver in the last 40 years.

"We cannot afford to stop until we reach the finish line," Moalboal Mayor Paz "Lingling" Rozgoni said, adding that the town has prepared for the resuscitation of tourism.  GAN (FREEMAN)