Road to recovery

Borongan reopens tourism sites

We will be closely monitoring these establishments and sites to ensure that social distancing is strictly observed. We have set guidelines in accordance with our office and the Department of Tourism

BORONGAN CITY — With no coronavirus cases for three weeks now, this Eastern Samar capital is reopening its tourist destinations to bring back employment opportunities but still under strict border control and health protocols to keep the city free from COVID-19. Tourism officer Marissa Josephine Acorin says the city is now in the first phase of reopening tourism, limited to local residents only. Among the tourist sites that have reopened are Kaputian Falls in Barangay San Gabriel, Ganap Cave in Barangay Cagbonga, Hilangangan Beach in Barangay Punta Maria and Kayak Camada in Barangay Camada.

Acorin said a series of consultations with hotel and resort owners were conducted as well as with barangay officials where the tourist sites are located. The sites were also inspected to check on their readiness and compliance with health protocols and guidelines. Tourist sites and establishments can accommodate up to 50 percent of their usual capacity to adhere to social distancing. “We will be closely monitoring these establishments and sites to ensure that social distancing is strictly observed. We have set guidelines in accordance with our office and the Department of Tourism,” she said.

Borongan City Mayor Jose Ivan Agda signed last week an executive order allowing the resumption of operations in tourism sites. Agda led the opening of Kayak Camada, a kayaking site along the city’s Suribao River which was already gaining attention before it closed its operation due to the coronavirus pandemic.

He said the city government will aid Kayak Camada by repainting existing infrastructures, developing the parking area and purchasing kayaks.

Borongan City’s last two COVID-19 patients were healthcare workers assigned in a neighboring municipality. They were declared recovered on 1 September.

As of the weekend, Eastern Visayas still has 579 active cases, 78 percent of which are asymptomatic. New cases were recorded in Samar and Leyte, 23 each; four in Southern Leyte; three in Tacloban City; and one in Northern Samar.

Eastern Visayas has recorded 4,078 cases since the pandemic began in March.

PHOTOGRAPH BY ELMER RECUERDO FOR THE DAILY TRIBUNE KAPUTIAN Falls is known for its clear waters and hiking trails. From Borongan town proper, a tricycle can take you to Barangay San Gabriel to experience the site popular among hardcore trekkers.