CEBU as a tourism gateway in the Philippines has rapidly attracted foreign investors across the world for leisure and business. According to the Department of Tourism 7, there are approximately 1.3 million foreign visitors as per survey during 2019. Cebu is the heart of tourism due to its abundant history, culture, and natural resources. Cebu is the hub of Visayas as it continues to be at the forefront of advancement and structural changes.
As stated by Robert Go, the president of the Philippine Retailers Association, Cebu’s economy is tourism-oriented, a reason why the economy is booming. The quality of life in Cebu is an important factor people must consider when they decide to settle in Cebu. The quality of living standard provides jobs and opportunities, quality health care with well-qualified doctors and nurses, and a high standard of education. While Cebu’s development continues to increase, the number of people has also expanded.
Visitors in and outside the country traversed the city with no assurance on health and security. Tourism in Cebu is construed as a tool towards an economic leap. However, this adds to growing concerns in the region, including the risks in health and security.
At present, a certain event is no longer confined to a single city in a national context, but rather to the whole nation. By then, government must uphold the objective for its people and take action for their welfare.
Cebu, on the other hand, is strictly raising its guard because of the issue of a fatality from the 2019 novel coronavirus that had a history of having arrived first in the Visayas, particularly in Cebu.
Furthermore, Cebu is alarmed by the outbreak of the virus from China. This is a serious issue which the city must immediately address.
Taking this for granted may lead to risking the lives of the Cebuanos.
Now, would the city or the country as a whole ban foreigners from coronavirus affected countries from entering the Philippines? Whether the city would want to make it possible, banning Chinese citizens and cutting ties with China being a great contributor to Cebu’s boosting economy, might give the city a great challenge on its economy.