Tourists not allowed yet in Sagada; rules being set

SAGADA VIEW -- The town of Sagada known for its picturesque natural attractions has delayed opening of its borders to tourists. Mayor James Pooten said last week the municipal council is finalizing policies for safety of tourists and residents. -- PNA photo by Liza T. Agoot 

By Liza Agoot

SAGADA, Mountain Province -- The Municipal Inter-Agency Task Force here decided to delay allowing tourists to visit this popular town as policies are being finalized.
    Mayor James Pooten said last week the MIATF's decision came as the municipal council communicated that a measure is being finalized which will lay down policies for the safety of residents when tourists start to be allowed to visit.
    "The Sanggunian would come up with a solution laying down the final guidelines for visitors," he said.
    The MIATF earlier announced the limited entry of tourists starting Sept. 15. The date was moved to the end of October then to the end of November considering the Covid-19 cases being recorded.
    Pooten said participation of the community is a very big consideration in the decision of the local government officials.
    "If it is just me, I would open it because I can see and feel the effect of the pandemic to the economy of our town and the income of the local government, but we also get public opinion and it matters that many are still opposed to the opening of our town to tourist," he said.
    The mayor added that Sagada has attained popularity and opening to tourists means flocking of people there to enjoy its natural attractions.
    "We hope we can open soon," he said.
    In an earlier interview, Pooten said before the pandemic, about 70 percent of Sagada’s central business district were engaged in tourism.
    There were about 1,200 to 1,300 serving as tour guides, about 300 inns and restaurants, around a hundred souvenir shops, and the chain is created with the establishments employing locals, while souvenir shops source products from local suppliers who also employ workers.
    Pooten said the town lost PHP10 million in 2020 from its share of tourists’ registration fees alone.
    The town is also seeing a low or no collection from local taxpayers for 2021. -- PNA