Actual Opening of Baguio to Tourists from Region 1 to Happen Next Week

During the Laging Handa Press Briefing yesterday, September 21, 2020, Baguio City Mayor and contact tracing czar Benjamin Magalong has clarified that today, September 22, 2020, is the launching of The Ridge and Reef (RnR) Travel Corridor and the actual full execution of the opening of the city to tourists from Region 1 will probably happen next week.

Here’s the statement of Mayor Magalong during the Laging Handa Press Briefing yesterday:

“Yung mga sistema po in place na, kaya lang ang gusto ko lang po klaruhin, bukas po yung launching, launching palang po yan, pero ‘yung actual execution will probably happen next week.”

According to Mayor Magalong, he said that the actual opening of the city to tourists from the Ilocos Region will be next week because some areas in the other provinces included in the RnR Travel Corridor are finalizing their system. Mayor Magalong added that in Baguio City they are addressing an outbreak in two barangays. He assured that by next week it will be fixed and they are ready to open the city.

“Kasi may inaayos pa ‘yung mga ibang provinces, ‘yung kanilang mga sistema. At the same time, in the case of Baguio, meron rin po kaming isang outbreak dito po sa dalawang barangay, we are addressing it. By next week maayos na po natin yan so we are ready to open next week.” -Statement of Mayor Magalong.

DIY Tour not allowed

In the press briefing, Mayor Magalong stated that “do it yourself” (DIY) tour is not allowed. Furthermore, the city may allow DIY tours three or two weeks after the official opening of the City of Baguio to Region 1 tourists.

“Aayusin pa muna natin itong bagong pagbubukas at the same time pag-aaralan natin yung experience, yung new system ng guided tour with the new normal after that we learn from it. And, finally siguro after three or two weeks saka natin i-aallow yung “do it yourself” tour.”

In addition, Mayor Magalong said that to avoid irresponsible tourism, the city has a guided tour system wherein tourists need to pre-register for the city to closely monitor their activities.

Possible Opening to Tourists from Other Regions

Mayor Magalong also said in the press briefing the possibility of opening the city to tourists from other regions two weeks after the official opening for tourists from the Ilocos Region.

Source: PTV