TRAVELING TO GUIMARAS? Here are some PTO-recommended resorts and farms

THE PROVINCE of Guimaras is one of the most famous islands not only in Western Visayas but in the Philippines as a whole known for its sweet mangoes and its beautiful beaches and farms.

Most tourists will want to spend their summer vacation in beaches and other tourist destinations. Guimaras is one of these places, especially in summer, the season of mangoes.

In anticipation of this and the provincial government’s celebration of the 28th Manggahan Festival, the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) recommended several Department of Tourism (DOT)-accredited destinations.

These establishments and facilities observe all the necessary protocols to protect tourists from the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).

“Ang number one gid siguro nga akon i-emphasize is i-prioritize naton ang DOT-accredited gid nga mga establishments and facilities because before sila naka-renew sang accreditation na-consider gid ang ila health and safety protocols kay requirements na sia, part na ina sang checklist sang DOT,” said Liberty Ferrer, officer-in-charge of the PTO.

Ferrer added, however, that guests should not be too complacent and should continue following all minimum health standards like wearing facemasks and face shields, observing social distancing, and hand washing and sanitizing.

Here are several DOT-accredited beach resorts recommended for tourists:

ALUBIHOD BEACH AREA

The Alubihod Beach Area in Barangay Poblacion, Nueva Valencia is the most popular beach in the island, famous for its white sand. It’s also a jump-off point for island hopping in Guimaras. Most of the islets are 15 to 30 minutes away from Alubihod by boat, with some already visible from the beach.

GUISI BEACH AREA

The Guisi Beach Area is in Barangay Dolores, Nueva Valencia.

Guisi is one of the sitios of Barangay Dolores in the coastal area overlooking Guimbal and Tigbauan, Iloilo.

It is also a white-sand beach known for its many snorkeling areas.

Other famous beaches tourists can visit include: Tando Beach in Barangay Tando, Nueva Valencia; Nagarao Island in Sibunag; Sun Sea Resort in Nueva Valencia; Raymen Beach Resort, Nueva Valencia; and Sinoguora Beach Resort in Jordan.

Ferrer also said there are eight DOT-accredited farms that tourists may visit.

“Gina-encourage gid naton sa subong nga i-experience man sang mga bisita ang aton farms. May eight farms diri sa Guimaras, thus different experience sa usual naton nga makadto sa baybay. Ini ya farm experience, maka-harvest ka sang kon ano nga products diri sa Guimaras, at the same time maka-support sila sa local farmers.”

Ferrer recommended three of them:

REYLEY FARM AND FOODHAUS

Located in Barangay Igcabano, San Lorenzo, the farm produces organic mushrooms, roselle wine, bignay wine, cashew wine, and a different flowering plants.

DOMS FARM AND THE RIDERS CAMP

Doms Farm is a Dragon Fruit farm in Oracon Sur, Nueva Valencia. It has a camping site and an MX race track for dirt bike enthusiasts. The farm boasts a great landscape for sightseeing and photo ops.

FATIMA FARM

This farm in San Enrique, San Lorenzo produces vegetables and other organic products. It is also an ideal place for retreats, family gatherings and seminars/meetings. They have rooms for accommodation, station of the cross, and swimming pool.

The remaining five DOST-accredited farms are the Jem Home Farm in Milan, Sibunag; NJST Fruit Farm in Oracon, Sibunag; Villa Santarina Farm in Nazaret in Buenavista; and MJ Grapes Farm in Suclaran, San Lorenzo.

Ferrer said all tourists interested to visit these places need to follow the safety protocols set by the provincial government.

“Sa aton nga mga bisita nga gusto gid magkadto, welcome gid kamo sa province of Guimaras. Ginapangayo man namon ang inyo cooperation nga magsunod sa safety and health protocols para ma-prevent ang COVID-19 transmission.”

Ferrer mentioned in particular the border screening protocol. Incoming travelers should sign their inbound pass and health declaration cards./PN