Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 1) — Batangas is banking on its pristine beaches, breathtaking scenery, old churches, delectable food and rich culture to help the entire province back on its feet with its people still reeling from the devastation wrought by the eruption of Taal Volcano in January followed by the COVID-19 outbreak in March.
Batangas Vice Governor Mark Leviste, in a Laging Handa virtual press briefing, said the entire province is hoping that local tourism will flourish once again after suffering from a double whammy.
“Tatandaan po natin, halos di pa po kami tapos o nagsisimula pa lang po kami bumangon mula sa krisis dulot ng pagsabog ng Bulkang Taal,” said Leviste.
Taal Volcano, one of the main tourist attractions in the province, erupted on January 12, destroying livelihood and properties leading to the forced evacuation of thousands and the declaration of a lockdown in 15 municipalities and cities in Batangas and nearby Cavite province.
The eruption reached Level 4, meaning a “hazardous explosive eruption” was imminent then.
The alert level was eventually lowered to Level 2 (or decreased unrest) on March 19. This was a few days after Batangas confirmed its first case of COVID-19, along with the national government’s imposition of enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) on the entire Luzon in an attempt to curb the spread of the virus.
Tourism, trade, and business operations have been halted due to the ECQ, which only allows the operation of firms offering essential services.
Batangas remains under ECQ with the rest of Calabarzon, Metro Manila, Central Luzon except Aurora, Pangasinan, and Benguet, including Baguio City until May 15. Iloilo (including Iloilo City), Cebu (including Cebu City), Bacolod City, and Davao City have also been placed under ECQ until mid-May.
Meanwhile, general community quarantine (GCQ) is imposed on all other provinces.
“Ito po sana ang panahon, yung summer season, kung saan kami ay dinadagsa ng maraming turista hindi lamang sa buong Pilipinas kundi kahit mula sa ibayong dagat,” said Leviste.
[Translation: This period, which is summer season, would have been the time when many tourists are coming not only from around the Philippines but also overseas.]
“[K]ami ay umaasa na tatangkilikin po tayo ng ating kababayan pag pinag-usapan ang domestic tourism,” he added.
[Translation: We are hoping our fellow countrymen will support us when it comes to domestic tourism.]
Leviste also said the provincial government will focus on its “economic rehabilitation” along with ensuring the safety and well-being of its residents post-lockdown.
In the same briefing, Tourism Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. said that domestic travel shall stimulate Philippine tourism for the rest of the year, provided that ECQ and GCQ are lifted and tourism enterprises are allowed to operate again.
READ: DOT: Domestic travels to ‘trigger’ PH tourism activities for the rest of 2020
Batangas currently has 92 confirmed cases of COVID-19. A total of 34 have recovered from the virus, while 17 have died.
[Translation: Let us remember, we have not yet recovered from the crisis brought by the Taal Volcano eruption (when the pandemic happened).]
