The Baguio Auto Club (BAC) expressed its support to the “Ridge and Reef” tourism bubble plan of Tourism Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat together with Baguio Mayor Benjamin Magalong and the governors of Region I.
BAC spokesperson Timmy Mondiguing said their group is supporting the initiative of the officials to work together in finding ways to gradually open the economy for the benefit of the displaced workers wanting to have sustainable sources of income to uplift the living condition of their families.
He said the “Ridge and Reef” tourism bubble is a “give and take” situation where those from the lowlands can enjoy the natural year-round “air condition” or cool climate of Baguio while we from the Summer Capital can frolic in their beautiful beaches.
“It is high time that we all accept the new normal since no one knows when an effective vaccine against the Covid-19 disease will become available to the public. While it is a fact that health protocols must be in place to protect people’s health, it is also true that we need jobs to sustain ourselves and our loved ones,” he said.
Earlier, Puyat explained that the endeavor’s success will be used as a template in the re-opening of the tourism industry in other parts of the country to address the urgent need of workers in tourism-related establishments that ceased operations during the implementation of the community quarantine due to the on-going coronavirus-2019 pandemic.
“Tourism will open cautiously, slowly and safely so that we will be able to strike a balance between the health and safety of the people and the economy because of the growing need of the people for sustainable jobs,” she said during a recent meeting with Baguio and Region I officials at the Baguio Country Club. – Press release
May 11, 2024
