Sagada Suspends Eco-Tourism Activities Amid COVID Threat

All eco-tourism activities in this mountain resort are suspended due to the threat 2019 Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) but tourists are still welcome to visit the town.

Mayor James Pooten on February 13 issued Executive Order 7-20 suspending eco-tourism activities within the municipality as prevention control measure against the spread of the disease.

Although the Cordillera region remains COVID-free, Pooten said the order aims to prevent the spread of the disease which is described by the World Health Organization as a global health emergency affecting thousands worldwide and with at least three confirmed cases in the Philippines.

“There is an urgent need to protect the municipality of Sagada and its residents being a top destination for tourists in the North Philippines from the threat of the COVIC-19 and similar strains by strictly implementing prevention control measures,” the order said.

Affected eco-tourism activities include caving and spelunking at the famous Sumaguing and other caves, eco-trekking at the Echo Valley and other parts of the municipality and trekking at the Bomod-ok Falls. These activities often involve body contact as tour guides have to assist tourists to avoid slipping inside the caves or in uphill or downhill terrain.

Pooten clarified that Sagada is not on lockdown to visitors. Tourists are still welcome to visit the scenic Sagada but with some limitations for the benefit of the tourists and the locals particularly tour guides.

Hotel and inn owners have been briefed and notices of the EO and the guidelines are posted at the different accommodation areas and other conspicuous parts of the municipality for the public to know.

Pooten had earlier created the Sagada 2019 NCOV Task force and fast lanes at the rural health unit and deployed healthcare providers in the tourist information center. (JDP/RMC- PIA CAR)