TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Tourism (DOT) has announced that several cities and provinces in Region 8 (Eastern Visayas) have reopened regional and domestic tourist destinations as the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) has issued uniform travel protocols for land, sea, and air.

In Biliran, aside from presenting an identification card, an individual's health assessment upon arrival is required. If a guest is staying for 24 hours or more, he needs to present proof of booking or proof of sponsorship from a Biliranon where he is staying. Otherwise, the booking will be facilitated by the tourism assistance booth at the border.

Biliran is home to the Maripipi, Sambawan, and Higatangan Islands, and breathtaking waterfalls such as Tinago Falls, Ulan-Ulan Falls, and Tomalistis Falls.

DOT Region 8 Director Karen Tiopes said Leyte requires a valid ID, their QR Code, and health assessment upon arrival.

The province has marine sanctuaries in historic islands popular for their diving and snorkeling sites and white sand beaches such as Limasawa where the first Christian Mass in the land of Asia was held.

Eastern Samar, where Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan's expedition first landed in the country, only needs a valid ID upon entry. The province has destinations such as Calicoan Island in Guiuan, Yolanda Beach in Salcedo, Amandaraga Falls in Lawaan, Dangkalan Pacific Beach in Taft, nature parks in Hernani and Balangkayan, and the historic Balangiga Bells in Balangiga.

Tacloban City in Leyte, Maasin City in Southern Leyte, and Catbalogan City in Samar are asking for a valid ID, QR code, and health assessment needed upon arrival.

These destinations still follow minimum health protocol such as limited capacity, wearing a face mask and face shield, and observance of physical distancing.

"To give due consideration to the new carrying capacity, we highly advise that a pre-booking be secured through the provincial and city tourism offices before traveling," Tiopes said.