AS PEOPLE flocked to the newly opened Manila Bay "white sand beach," the Department of Tourism (DOT) reminded the public to follow all safety and health protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus disease (Covid-19) while appreciating the beach nourishment project.
"What we need here is for the people to follow the guidelines, the physical distancing, and perhaps look at the carrying capacity," Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said in a televised Laging Handa briefing Wednesday.
The portion of Manila Bay filled with artificial white sand was unveiled to the public last September 19.
Noting the influx of visitors, Bengzon said it showed the willingness of Filipinos to go out and travel.
"In our recent survey, about 77 percent of Filipinos said they still want to travel domestically even in the absence of a vaccine that's why we really need to follow the fundamental health guidelines," he said.
He confirmed that Boracay is opening its shores to more markets aside from travelers from Western Visayas starting October 1.
"This is what was agreed upon on last night and that is to allow visitors from areas under GCQ (general community quarantine), one of the requirements is the RT-PCR and there would still be monitoring of tourism activities," he said in Filipino.
As tourism activities gradually resume in some parts of the country, he underscored that the success of safe and Covid-free travel under the new normal depends on the public who must cooperate by adhering to the basic health and safety protocols set by the government.
"Kailangan lang pong sundin iyan para siguraduhin na hindi kakalat itong infection at para makatulong tayo sa gradual reopening ng tourism sa ating bansa (You just need to follow this to make sure that the infection won't spread and also to help in the gradual reopening of tourism)," he said.
Aside from Boracay and Manila Bay, Baguio City is also expected to resume tourism activities for travelers coming from Region 1 (Ilocos) starting next week. The tourism resumption is under the Ridge and Reef Corridor Plan (By Joyce Ann L. Rocamora)
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