Kalinga Tourism Officer suggests stricter enforcement of Covid-19 guidelines

Tabuk City, Kalinga – Kalinga Province Tourism Officer Lorraine Ngao-i bemoans circumstances involving some accommodation establishments not 100 percent compliant with protocols, suggesting a stricter enforcement.

Ngao-i, in relation to the reports of half-hearted compliance to provisions crafted by National Inter-agency task Force for tourism areas, is appealing to all tourism establishments in the province to strictly enforce the guidelines necessary to prevent spread of Covid-19 infection as the number of Covid-19 cases in the province has yet to see a significant decline.

Ngao-i likewise asked for their understanding and patience as the regulations imposed are for the safety of all.

“We all know that this pandemic is a great hit to the tourism industry and tourism workers are barely trying to stay afloat but as responsible partners, I appeal to all tourism establishments to please increase your patience by following the health protocols for our own good and the good of the public,” she said.

What LGUs can do to help?

According to Ngao-i, the tourism office’s action can only be limited to policy-making and only local government units have the power to make policies to punish owners of non-compliant establishments.

“Yung mga LGU, they can make their own policies like hindi issue-han ng permit o license ang mga pasaway na establishments, tayo kasi, wala tayong power na ganyan,” Ngao-i said.

The tourism office further explained that accommodation facilities in the area, given the General Community Quarantine Status, can operate on a 50 percent capacity. However, operations of their swimming pools are subject to the guidelines set by their Local Government Unit.

Earlier, the Department of Tourism- Cordillera, in an advisory dated April 30, 2021, reiterated the guidelines crafted by NIATF in the operation of accommodation establishments in the region following the extension and change of quarantine status of provinces in the region.

Among the provisions stated in the advisory is that accommodation establishments which are located outside Baguio City are allowed to take in business guests or those who are traveling solely for the purpose of work within 50 percent maximum venue capacity up to eight hours.

As for social events, 30 percent maximum venue capacity up to three hours is set by the DOT but implementation is still dependent on the decision of the local government unit.

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