NCR Plus tourists now allowed in Boracay, Baguio City

Following the relaxation of travel restrictions for the country’s local tourism, those in the NCR Plus area under general community quarantine (GCQ) can now travel to Baguio City and Boracay as long as they follow the health protocols of local governments.

In a report by Ian Cruz on GMA News “24 Oras” on Tuesday, the tourists’ trip should be “point to point.”

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Only in “emergencies” will trips be allowed to stop or when food is needed.

Travelers must also have a negative RT/PCR test before heading to their destination.

According to Tourism Secretary Bernadette Puyat, the government’s pandemic task force agreed to Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong’s request regarding the reception of tourists.

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Patrcick Querubin, an owner of the travel agency, welcomed the move to help workers in the tourism sector whose jobs have been affected by the pandemic.

Those planning to go to Baguio must register on the website https://visita.baguio.gov.ph/.

NCR Plus tourists now allowed in Boracay, Baguio City

However, the Benguet local government has not yet notified if they will accept tourists because they are still under modified enhanced community quarantine status.

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Meanwhile, the local government of Malay, Aklan, also announced that they would be accepting tourists from GCQ areas such as NCR Plus until June 15.

“On behalf of the DOT, I thank our colleagues in the IATF for this development. Allowing leisure travel for all ages from the NCR Plus Bubble to MGCQ Areas will surely help local tourism back on track towards recovery,” said Romulo-Puyat.

Aside from the DOT’s policy that travelers must have a negative RT-PCR test, the local government also enforces interzonal travel regulations and the directive of the Boracay Inter-Agency Task Force.

“We are looking forward to once again see our tourism destinations welcome tourists from the NCR Plus area,” said Puyat.

“Of course, this has to be done with utmost precaution. The DOT shall continue to strengthen its coordination with our LGUs to ensure the strict compliance of health and safety protocols,” she added.

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