PANGLAO, Bohol — Known for its world-famous Chocolate Hills, Bohol–the home of the Philippine Tarsier– could become the Philippines’ model for the “New Normal”. According to Governor Arthur Yap, there are no confirmed active COVID-19 cases in the province.
National Task Force (NTF) against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito G. Galvez Jr. visited the province of Bohol to confer with the local officials and assess the COVID-19 situation.
“Nasa GCQ (General Community Quarantine) na po kayo (Bohol), baka mapunta na kayo sa MGCQ (Modified General Community Quarantine), ibig sabihin malapit na kayo sa new normal. I believe gagawin natin ang Bohol na model for new normal”
National Action Plan (NAP) against COVID-19 Chief Implementer Carlito G. Galvez, Jr.
According to the Department of Tourism, the province reported more than 1.4 million local and foreign tourists in 2018 listing Bohol as one of the top tourist destinations in the Philippines.
In a post by OPAPP, Galvez said these are among the reasons why the government is focused on reviving tourism-based economies such as Bohol, but taking into main consideration the health and safety of the public.
“Unang una, ang (plan) namin is matulungan ang Bohol to open up its businesses. Kasi nakita natin ang COVID crisis will stay hangga’t wala pang vaccine. So ang nakikita natin na ang primary needs sa Bohol (na kailangang aksyunan) is yung tourism and travel”
NATIONAL ACTION PLAN (NAP) AGAINST COVID-19 CHIEF IMPLEMENTER CARLITO G. GALVEZ, JR.
The government’s priority is to ensure the well-being of residents, as well as tourists who will be coming in once the province resumes business says NAP against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon.
To enhance the province’s testing capacity, the government will be establishing a COVID-19 laboratory at the Bohol-Panglao International Airport.
“Ang goal is to make Bohol one of the models para sa pag-reopen ng tourism sa Pilipinas… And the number one requirement for that to happen is to have a very strong testing capacity sa Bohol“
NAP against COVID-19 Deputy Chief Implementer Vince Dizon
According to Galvez, another offshore testing laboratory at the seaport and one for provisional government will be established to prepare the province for the arrivals of OFWs and tourists.
