Roque, Dizon, Magalong inspect Baguio establishments ahead of city's partial reopening

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque and National Action Plan Against COVID-19 deputy chief implementer Vince Dizon inspected Baguio City establishments on Friday ahead of the city's partial reopening to tourists.

The two were joined by Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, based on photos shared on social media by GMA News' Darlene Cay.

Roque, with Dizon and Magalong as guests, is set to hold his regular press briefing in Baguio City on Friday noon.

Baguio City is set to open its doors to tourists on September 22 amid the COVID-19 pandemic. However, only tourists from Region 1 will be initially allowed to visit the city.

Magalong earlier said they needed to open the city to tourism already to boost the economy amid the health crisis.

He estimated the loss in tourism revenues at P1.7 billion since the lockdown in March.

In an interview, Roque praised Baguio's health measures to ensure the safety of tourists and the general public.

“Nagagalak po ako na dito sa Baguio napatunayan na kapag nag-iingat tayo sa ating mga buhay ay puwede maghanapbuhay,” he told state-run PTV.

Roque said other local government units should follow Baguio's example.

“Siguro dapat na gayahin ng ibang LGU ‘yung mahigpit na pagpapatupad ng minimum health standards, ‘yung cashless transactions at tsaka ‘yung triage bago pumasok ng siyudad,” he said. —with Virgil Lopez/KBK, GMA News