GOVERNOR Eugenio Jose Lacson revealed yesterday that Mambukal Resort which is owned and operated by the province could be temporarily closed this week due to the effect of coronavirus disease (Covid-19).
Lacson said for one month alone, the provincial government lost P900,000 due to booking cancellations, adding that “We expect more reduction of tourists visiting Mambukal so we might consider closing it.”
He said he already asked Mambukal head Ellen Jalandoni to assess if the downtrend continues this week, “then we will decide closing it.”
Mambukal Resort is one of the premiere tourist destinations in the province and is one of the economic enterprises giving revenues to the provincial government.
Bookings and reservations have been made as early as January every year especially during the Holy Week which has been considered as peak season for tourists in the country.
As to other tourist places in the province, Lacson said he leaves it to the respective local government units to decide on the matter.
“If things are not well, you will find ways to reduce cost as income is not coming in anymore,” he added.
Meanwhile Lacson also revealed a plan of holding a Christmas Festival in December.
The Christmas Festival would be a substitute celebration for the Panaad Festival that was cancelled due to Covid-19.
“We hope that by then Covid-19 would be over. We are planning to hold the said festival for as long as the conditions will allow,” Lacson added. (TDE)