By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Some resorts and accommodation facilities in Negros Occidental have resumed operations following several months of closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Based on a list released by the Negros Occidental Provincial Tourism Office, seven component cities and 14 municipalities have allowed the reopening of resorts.

Among the noted resorts that have resumed operations are the Campuestohan Mountain Resort and Nature’s Village in Talisay City and the Northland Resort in Manapla town.
Lakawon Island resort in Cadiz City has reportedly reopened although they are currently offering only day tours.

Although most of the resorts and holiday hotspots have resumed operations, the tourism office also noted 21 of the local government units (LGUs) in the province are only accepting local residents.

Other LGUs such as San Carlos City is requiring tourists to have health certificates issued by their local city or municipal health office of origin. In the case of Calatrava town, it is only open for day tours.

Meanwhile, the cities of Kabankalan, La Carlota, Silay, Sipalay, and Victorias and the towns of EB Magalona, Hinoba-an, Ilog, San Enrique, and Toboso have yet to report any resumption of resort operations.

However, the tourism office further noted that Magikland in Silay City has signified to open soon while Sipalay City will resume accepting tourists by next month.

Under the protocols set by the National Inter Agency Task Force, resorts and hotels in areas under general community quarantine and modified general community quarantine are allowed to resume operations, however, they are required to secure a Certificate of Authority to Operate before the Department of Tourism./DGB, WDJ