Coron in Palawan, one of the country’s major tourism destinations, is eyeing to welcome more local tourists outside the province beginning December 1.
(HANAH TABIOS / MANILA BULLETIN)
The development came days after Palawan Governor Jose Alvarez said in a previous public briefing that the municipality will only reopen to local tourists when it is finally cleared of the coronavirus.
In an announcement posted by Coron’s municipal tourism office, town residents will be allowed to engage in tourism activities beginning October. 26, while those coming from the Calamian Island group will be permitted to enter the area starting November 16.
Calamian Group of islands comprises Busuanga, Culion, and Coron islands.
The tentative reopening date for tourists nationwide is on December 1.
“To ensure a gradual, prompt, and safe reopening of tourism in the municipality, all are advised to please wait for the official guidelines which will be posted immediately once they become available,” it said.
Coron, Palawan is considered an adventure paradise which is most in-demand for wreck diving, kayaking, island-hopping, and snorkeling activities. The island also boasts of a rich marine biodiversity, white sand beaches, mangrove swamps, and turquoise crystal-clear lakes.
As of Oct. 18, Coron only has six confirmed COVID-19 cases that are now isolated in a quarantine facility, with 19 individuals considered as suspect cases.
Commercial flights to Busuanga Airport have also resumed since Oct. 15 based on the data from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP).