BY DOMINIQUE GABRIEL BAÑAGA
BACOLOD City – The city of Sipalay in Negros Occidental has reopened its doors to tourists effective May 15, although several conditions are being enforced.
In an executive order signed by Mayor Maria Gina Lizares, local residents and foreign tourists from Negros Occidental and Bacolod City are allowed for leisure travel in the city.
However, as a requirement, tourists must secure a booking confirmation from their resort or hotel of choice, and fill-up an online registration form.
Non-resident tourists traveling via private vehicles shall also be allowed entry. However, those who are traveling via public transport such as public utility vehicles shall be barred entry into the city.
Sipalay City has also limited its entry points via the city’s Cartagena (Cauayan-Sipalay) in the north, Nabulao (Hinoba-an-Sipalay) via the south, and at Camindangan (Candoni-Sipalay) in the east.
Guests above 65 years old will not be allowed for leisure travel into the city. Car passes will also be issued for guests with confirmed bookings at the city’s border checkpoints.
Tourists are also required to stay within the premises of the establishment they are booked at and they are not allowed to visit adjacent resorts, buy food at the city proper and public market, or dine in restaurants outside the establishment.
Other accommodation types such as inns, pension, and lodging houses in the city proper, meanwhile, are not allowed to accept guests traveling for leisure purposes instead they are limited to receive authorized persons outside of residence (APORs).
Guests who are staying in private houses or properties with license and or accreditation shall also not be allowed entry. Private property owners who wish to visit their properties are required to secure proper coordination with their barangay of destination in the city.
Meanwhile, accommodation establishments in the city are required to have an accreditation with the Department of Tourism in orde r to operate, as well as capacity is limited to 50 percent only./PN
