TACLOBAN CITY – After a year since closing its borders to all visitors, the provincial government of Biliran has greenlighted for the grandular reopening of its tourism destinations.
This was confirmed by provincial tourism officer Jun Oliva who said that tourists who will visit the towns of Kawayan, Almeria and Maripipi, the three towns which are among areas in the province that agreed to reopen their tourism sites, have to strictly follow all the health minimum standards during their stay.
Almeria is home to major waterfalls like the Ulan-Ulan, Bagongbong, and Recoletos Waterfalls and its versions of rice terraces located in the villages of Sampao and Iyusan.
In Kawayan town, its major tourist attractions include the Busai Falls, Masongsong spring swimming pool, and the Tingkasan Bat Cave.
Sambawan Island, a major tourist attraction of Maripipi, however, will start to welcome tourists beginning April 10.
“All incoming travelers will undergo verification and health screening at the border checkpoint, after which the tourist assistance center (in each town) will assist them,” Oliva said.
At the border checkpoint, tourists will undergo clinical and exposure assessment.
Tourists are required to wear face masks and face shields while undergoing the process then they will have to present their valid identification card.
Foreign tourists who will be visiting the province will have to present a negative RT-PCR test taken two days before their arrival.
Those with symptoms will be prohibited from entering Biliran while those who are asymptomatic will be advised to proceed to Step 2 process which is filling up an arrival form at the Tourism Assistance Center.
The tourists will also be requested to present proof of hotel booking or sponsorship of a homeowner where they will be staying.
Those who do not have accommodation will be assisted by tourism personnel to book in a facility accredited by the Department of Tourism.
After their visit to the province, tourists are also required to visit the tourism assistance center to inform, and to properly record their departure.
They may also provide feedback and suggestions to what they experience and observe during their visit in the island province.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)
