BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – Some resorts and accommodation facilities in Negros Occidental have reopened after several months of closure due to the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic.
Seven component cities and 14 municipalities have allowed the resumption of resort operations, data from the Provincial Tourism Office showed.
Among the noted resorts are the Campuestohan Mountain Resort and Nature’s Village in Talisay City and the Northland Resort in the town of Manapla.
Although most of the resorts and holiday hotspots have resumed operations, the tourism office also noted 21 of the local government units (LGUs) in the province are only accepting local residents.
Other LGUs such as San Carlos City is requiring tourists to have health certificates issued by their local city or municipal health office of origin.
In the case of Calatrava town, resorts are only open for day tours.
Meanwhile, the cities of Kabankalan, La Carlota, Silay, Sipalay, Victorias and the towns of EB Magalona, Hinoba-an, Ilog, San Enrique, and Toboso have yet to report any resumption of resort operations.
However, the tourism office noted that Magikland in Silay City has signified to open soon, while Sipalay City will resume accepting tourists next month.
Under the protocols set by the national government’s Inter-Agency Task Force, resorts and hotels in areas under general community quarantine and modified general community quarantine are allowed to resume operations. However, they are required to secure a Certificate of Authority to Operate before the Department of Tourism./PN
