TACLOBAN CITY (PNA) – All tourism sites and facilities in Almeria, Biliran are close for a month due to new cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
In Executive Order No. 15, Series of 2021 signed by Almeria Mayor Richard Jaguros, the closure takes effect from April 26 to May 26, 2021.
“All hotels and accommodation establishments are temporarily closed, including its ancillary establishments within their premises such as restaurants, cafes, gyms, spas, function hall, and the like,” the order read.
Almeria is about 24 kilometers away from Naval town, the provincial capital of Biliran, and 124 kilometers northwest of Tacloban City, the regional capital.
The town is known for waterfalls located in Sampao and Caucab villages.
The 90-feet Ulan-ulan waterfalls is the most famous due to the mists it creates from the falling water that resembles to rain.
During the opening of Sambawan Island Beach Resort last week, the provincial tourism office included Ulan-ulan Falls as part of the tour package for tourists visiting the prime island destination of the province.
Aside from waterfalls, other tourist attractions in the town are the rice terraces in Sampao and Iyusan villages.
Two islets, the Capinahan, and Dalutan are also found in the town known for white-sand beaches and clear sea ideal not only for swimming but also for snorkeling and diving.
Aside from the temporary closure of tourist destinations, the order also prohibits the operation of cockpits except for the online sabong (cockfighting) that are licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
As of April 26, Almeria town has 72 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 50 recoveries and one death.