Bohol could be opened to local tourists by October —Galvez

The province of Bohol could be opened for local tourists by next month, according to Secretary Carlito Galvez on Wednesday.

Galvez, the chief implementer of the government's response against COVID-19, said based on the visits of government officials in Bohol, the province is already prepared to open for local tourism.

"Nakikita po natin na marami pong mga lugar, especially po 'yung Bohol at saka 'yung tinatawag nating Palawan and Cebu that they are prepared to have that tourism bubble," Galvez said.

"Sa Bohol po, madalas po naming puntahan 'yan. Pinuntahan po 'yan ni SILG [Interior Secretary Eduardo Año] at saka ni Ma'am Berna [Romulo-Puyat] at nakita po natin talaga na prepared na prepared si Governor [Arthur] Yap sa kaniyang preparasyon. Maybe this coming October, early Octoer or middle October, puwede na muna siyang magbukas ng tinatawag na local tourism," he added.

Galvez said the National Task Force supports the Department of Tourism in aiming to reopen more tourist destinations amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Kami po ay sumusuporta po sa ating Secretary Madam Berna Puyat dahil kasi talaga pong nakita natin itong COVID-19 halos dumapa po talaga ang tourism business po natin. Kaya po nang magkaroon tayo ng recommendation na staycation ay talaga pong sinuportahan natin si Ma'am Berna," he said.

DOT Undersecretary Benito Bengzon Jr. earlier said the agency is pursuing a gradual resumption of tourism enterprises in the country.

The gradual reopening of Boracay Island already started in June initially for Aklan residents only, then eventually for the residents of entire Western Visayas.

Meanwhile, beginning October 1, tourists from Region I will also be allowed to visit Baguio City. — BM, GMA News