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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Romualdez sees influx of foreign tourists; here's why

Romualdez sees influx of foreign tourists; here's why

Published May 7, 2023 04:08 am
Boracay, arguably the crown jewel of Philippine tourism. (Unsplash)




House Speaker Martin Romualdez is prodding authorities to prepare for a possible influx of foreign tourists to the Philippines in the coming days. This, as the House leader pointed to the World Health Organization's (WHO) lifting of its Covid-19 global health emergency declaration, as well as the easing of travel restrictions by several countries, including the United States and Japan. Romualdez said these developments could result in freer travel and more tourists visiting the Philippines. “Let the concerned government agencies and sectors of the economy prepare for this possibility, which will benefit tourist destinations and local communities,” said the Leyte 1st district congressman. Philippine tourism was brought to its knees in early 2020 as the Covid-triggered lockdowns meant that travel was impossible. The sector has managed to partially recover, thanks to mass vaccination. The Speaker in particular urged the Department of Health (DOH) and the government’s Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF), which manages the country’s response to the pandemic, to prescribe minimum health protocols that would be consistent with the WHO decision to scuttle its global health emergency declaration. At the same time, he asked the DOH to continue encouraging people to avail themselves of free Covid-19 vaccination the government is offering. Romualdez reminded the public “to wear a face mask when needed, wash your hands, isolate when sick, observe physical distancing, and get vaccinated” to avoid contracting Covid-19. He noted that although most of the population already had their primary shots, many still have yet to receive their first and second booster shots. Romualdez also asked local officials to continue monitoring the situation in their respective areas and immediately take the necessary measures whenever there is a spike in Covid-19 cases. “Let us promptly attend to those needing help so that this virus does not infect more people and lead to more deaths,” he said.

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