SAGADA Mayor James Pooten is preparing for a backlash from the tourism slump.
Pooten said possible skills training is being explored for stakeholders who are affected in the decline of visitors and closure of selected sites in the town.
The mayor said the precautionary measures in the town are needed to prevent possible spread of Covid-19.
“I want people to understand that this is not only for Sagada. Its true for all areas,” Pooten said adding sectors are finding the temporary closure of sites as inconvenient and laments a drop income.
Pooten closed off major sites February 21 but later lifted the ban while spelunking and camping remains at a halt.
Sunrise viewing also remained closed while trekking can only start at 7:00 a.m. with violators facing a 30-day ban and confiscation of fees.
Tourism office records show that on February 21 during the closure of sites was implemented, there were 125 tourists who registered at the tourism office on the 22nd there were 871 logged, on the 23rd there were 609 while on the 24th there were 362.
The following days from the 25th to 27th, there were 286, 182 and 202 tourists who registered while on the 28 and 29th, there were 554 and 776 tourists.
“This is to discourage crowd gatherings during early hours when temperature is very cold. However visitors can still trek Marlboro hills and other sites after 7:00 a.m.,” Pooten in his order said.
The executive order also mandates all visitors to undergo assessment as advised by the Department of Health when they arrive in Sagada.
Assessment will be done when registering at the tourist information center, when checking in at accommodation and before tour starts.
“Opening of tours sites were only done after protocols of the DOH were satisfied,” Pooten said.
Pooten also advised inn keepers, establishment owners, tour guides and shuttle drivers to take the initiative to impose protocols and penalties.
“We ask everyone to please do their own part in keeping our municipality and country safe from the virus,” he said.
Drivers are asked to have alcohol available in their vehicles as well as garbage cans for proper waste disposal especially for tissue paper.
Physical contact is also asked to be minimized and if unavoidable personal protective gear is advised to be in place.
For guides, orientation will include DOH guidelines and only guests who are fit can take treks and adventure tours. Older guests and toddlers are encouraged to take sightseeing tours instead.