Sagada relaxes tourism rules; Holy Week posts 3K tourists

By Gina Dizon

SAGADA, Mountain Province -- Changes in tourism protocols in this town increased number of tourists from earlier strict protocols.
    A tourist can now book online and register when he/she arrives in Sagada unlike the earlier booking of two-day online registration before one can be allowed entry in town.
    Sanggguniang Bayan resolution 32-2022 in their March 22 provided “online registration at least one day before the date of arrival.
    Strictly, for same-day registration, the guest will be allowed to tour the following day.
    The counting of the 24-hour day covers 12:01 a.m. to 12 midnight.
    With prior rules, nearly 500 tourists have been turned down since Sagada opened its doors to tourists Nov. 29 last year with the peak of rejection during the long weekend celebration of EDSA Day last week of February.
    This to add to earlier rejections December last year when tourists came for the yuletide season.
    Tourists bewailed their long travel only to be turned down at the check point at Pegew a minutes ride away from the main town.
    Complaints too from the tourism stakeholders in town led to amendments in the protocol.
    A tourist can now register online at the tourism office when she/he arrives and secure an accommodation.
    A tour is only allowed however the next day from arrival.
    Tourist arrivals increased from 1,000 December last year to 2,400 March this year. The recent Holy Week from April 14 to 17 drew some 3,000 visitors who arrived via private cars, commercial vans and through bus transport. 
    Following the latest guidelines issued by the municipal SB, Sagada shall accommodate a maximum of 3,500 guests at a given time.
    Accommodation establishments are limited to actual bed capacity of 1 bed to 1 person except for a couple but not to exceed 50 guests at the same time.
    Health protocols are strictly enforced with presentation of vaccination card except for minors below 12 years old, vaccination is not required but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
    For the unvaccinated tourist, negative antigen test is required.
    Caving is now allowed at Sumaguing and Balangagan but on limited capacity at a given time which shall be implemented on staggered basis.
    That is, for the first week after March 22 limited to 90 guests; for the 2nd week, 150 guests and for the 3rd week onward 200 guests at a time.
    Visit to Bomod-ok  and  Pongas Falls is now allowed.