'Kachamayan Falls closed to public' - Lubuagan Tourism Officer

Lubuagan, Kalinga – Following reports that people are still visiting the Kachamayan (Cadamayan) Falls despite announcements that tourism in the locality is still prohibited, Lubuagan officials issued stern warnings and measures to stop the public from sneaking into the site.

As recalled, Executive Order No. 2020-04 issued on 28 February 2020 suspended all tourism activities in Lubuagan as a control measure to contain COVID-19.

“It has been observed that Kachamayan Falls have been frequently visited during the pandemic, despite the advice of the LGU that the area is not yet open for tourism due to safety and environmental concerns and now most importantly, due to this pandemic,” said Lubuagan Tourism Officer Ansherina Rose Odiem.

The continuous entry of people prompted the local government, its law enforcers, and the Kaligkasan volunteers from the community to install signage at the tourism site to remind again that Kachamayan (Cadamayan) is closed for tourism activities.

“Putting up a closure signage near its entrance will somehow halt those who plan to visit the area,” said Odiem.

Odiem added that, aside from pandemic concerns, irresponsible travelers have been leaving their garbage in the area, causing environmental concerns.

"We understand ti rigat na ti being in isolation at our homes for a very long time isu nga agbiruk tayo ti de-stressing activities thru visiting leisure areas. But then again, everyone's health and safety are our top priorities during these times where the virus can be anywhere else. That is why leisure/tourism activities remain to be suspended in the municipality. We value life above anything else," she added.

Meanwhile, Lubuagan Mayor Charisma Anne Dickpus, in a statement, again appealed for the public to cooperate with the local government, especially now that the Delta COVID-19 variant is already in the province.

“Saan tayo met nga iparit nu awan ti gapo na. For now a ket anusan tayo pay lang a haan na agpasyar (because) we are still in the middle of a crisis gapu iti daytoy a virus. Ket nu kara-ruwar tayo nga isu met ti maysa a possible cause ti spread of the disease, kaanun tupay ngay a malpas daytoy nga problema?” Dickpus expressed.

She also commended the tourism business sector in the municipality for adhering to the measures and contingency plan of the LGU amid the pandemic saying “mayat ta nagkaykaysa da piman a haan pay lang nga i-allow, ta anya ngay ket health met talaga dapat ti umuna nga ikkan tayo ti importansiya.”

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