SAGADA Mayor James Pooten has cordoned tourism spots of the town in the wake of the ongoing threat of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid–19).
Pooten in an executive order signed and released Thursday, February 13, ordering the suspension of all eco-tourism activities in the town with all violators asked to answer to the mayor’s office.
“Everyone is advised to remain vigilant against any signs or symptoms of the said virus and please refer concerned individuals to our Covid – 19 fast lane at the Rural Health Unit near the Municipal Building,” Pooten said.
Pooten added the order will take effect until further notice and only covers government controlled spots and not private establishments.
Private establishments in Sagada include Sunrise View Hotel and Isang Wow Sunrise Viewdeck, Paog’s Sunset Viewdeck, Sagada Pottery, Sagada Weaving and Masferre’s Photographs.
Responsible Tourism advocate Tracey Santiago meanwhile is pushing for alternative tourism activities in Sagada.
Santiago relayed some suggestions on how to use time while in the municipality to enjoy the town.
“As for the community, Sagada can take this opportunity to look into alternative sources of income for the community and not be fully dependent on tourism. The LGU can also take this time to create and improve responsible tourism policies, provide trainings for stakeholders, create new culture based tourism activities, and open discussions for a strategic tourism plan with the community,” she said.
On the list of Santigao’s suggestion are staring at the mountains and trees while having coffee at Bana’s Coffeeshop; food hopping from the centro going to the beautiful views of rice terraces after Lumiang cave.
Santiago said there are several food stops tourists can enjoy along the way.
“Learn pottery at Sagada Pottery and bring out the inner Demi Moore in you. Write poetry or write your thesis or a long delayed report at work. Words just flow in when there are no distractions. Vegetable, fruits, and other local produce shopping! I know it’s a long trip but a true shopper knows no distance for good local finds. Meditate for peace of mind and calmness of the heart,” Santiago added.
The tourism advocate however, do not recommend screaming your hearts out at the mountains.
“These are sacred and doing so might bounce back some energies to you. Just sit or lie down the grass and enjoy the stillness of life. Locals love to sit and chat. It’s very easy to do some small conversations that can turn to meaningful friendships. Walk up to the point near the lake then walk down in time for a big dinner at Sagada Log Cabin or any of your favorite restaurants. Do a Mission Compound Tour! Ms. Alma Bagano of Inandako’s will bring you to the church, the old dormitories, and tell you about its history and stories that make these structures an important part of the community’s life. Sleep, if you think you lacked sleep for the past months and years, you can sleep all you want in Sagada and no one will judge you or fire you,” she quipped.