ILOILO – To prevent large gatherings this Holy Week, local government officials suspended operations of several tourism sites.
This is to preempt the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases, according to local chief executives.
Mount Napulak, the most prominent mountain peak in Igbaras, Iloilo, is closed until further notice.
“Nahadlok kami magrisgu kay iban nga banwa nag-close man sang ila sites. Ti, may possibility nga diri sila matumpok sa amon so indi namon ma-control na karon,” Mayor Jaime “James” Esmeralda told Panay News.
“Bisan every weekend or ordinary days, damo tourists nga nagakadto, how much more this time,” the mayor added.
Esmeralda, however, clarified that residents of Igbaras can hike “pero dapat sundon gihapon ang minimum public health standards.”
The local government unit (LGU) already deployed barangay tanods to man Mount Napulak’s entrance and exit.
Aside from the mountain peak, Esmeralda also ordered the temporary closure of other tourist destinations including eco-tourism sites and private resorts beginning yesterday until further notice.
On the other hand, the LGU of Tubungan also suspended trekking activities on the verdant mountain in Barangay Igtuble until April 4.
“Tuyo naton malikawan ang risgu nga mag-transmit ang virus sa banwa kon magdagsa ang mga tawo halin sa iban nga lugar,” said Mayor Roquito Tacsagon.
The so-called “Little Baguio”, the Bucari-Eco Tourism Destination Sites in Leon, Iloilo, has also been closed to the public from March 27 to April 4.
“Kay basi mabutang sa alang-alang ang pag-comply sang minimum public health standards ta,” said Mayor Ma. Lina Holipas.
Likewise, the Agony Hill in Barangay Taban-Manguining, Alimodian was also shut from March 26 to April 4, confirmed Mayor Geefre “Calay” Alonsabe “bilang kabahin sang precautionary measure sang LGU to prevent mass gathering thus stem coronavirus transmission.”
Police and barangay tanods have also been deployed to Agony Hill’s entrance.
To note, hundreds of people are coming into the Agony Hill every year, especially during Maundy Thursday and Good Friday./PN
