BENGUET Governor Melchor Diclas welcomed the opening of tourism in Baguio City but reiterated the province remains closed.

“We are not yet open for tourism. The opening of Baguio will definitely affect BLISTT (Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay). This must be discussed with the BLISTT group,” he said.

Following the Provincial Inter-Agency Task Force Meeting at the Benguet Capitol, the chief executive said they also want tourism activities in the Summer Capital to open in order for the livelihood of the people to continue and for the economy of the city to move and recover.

“Baguio is within Benguet. Baguio is opening tourism for regions. Baguio talked with Region I (Ilocos Region) to open the tourism industry in Baguio. We don’t object, kayat tayo met dayta tapnu ada pagbyagan ti kakailyan tayo. Kayat tayo metlang, maki coordinate iti LISTT (La Trinidad – Itogon – Sablan – Tuba – Tublay) municipalities around Baguio, ta coordinated daytoy ti tourism. At least ma-prevent tayo kuma daytoy spread ti virus and for the economy to move. As long as ma maintain health standards, we welcome the tourism,” the governor said.

Diclas said the province is still crafting plans for the tourism sector, reiterating once tourists directly go to the province, they must still undergo pre-registration.

When the Luzon-wide enhanced community quarantine was implemented March 17 because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Benguet towns ordered the closure of tourism-related activities, including tourist spots.

On September 1, during the 111th Baguio Charter Anniversary, Mayor Benjamin Magalong and Department of Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat and officials from the Ilocos Region inked a memorandum of agreement and support to open tourism on September 21, creating tourism bubbles in a bid to gradually opening economies in Baguio, La Union, Pangasinan, Ilocos Sur and Ilocos Norte.

Representatives from the different provinces of Ilocos Region agreed to partner with the City to craft “tourism bubbles” and package tours in accordance with health protocols.