The observance of Holy Week will remain as it is – holy – and other summer vacation activities in Baguio scaled down this year in light of the ongoing pandemic.
Minus the usual crowd-drawing and festive events, the city government has scaled down its lined up activities for the annual Summer Vacation (SumVac) in Baguio, if not either postponed or cancelled, for the second year in a row.
Jose Maria Rivera of the City Tourism Office said Mayor Benjamin Magalong has issued Executive Order 37, s. 2021 setting forth appropriate activities and prescribing guidelines on the conduct of SumVac, Araw ng Kagitingan, World War II Liberation of Baguio, National Flag Day, and Independence Day this year, including activities during the first semester of the year.
The order said in lieu of these annual activities, the city government will undertake rehabilitative programs, such as the restoration of commemorative markers, busts, and edifices, including the Dr. Jose Rizal shrine, Emilio Aguinaldo shrine, Andres Bonifacio and Apolinario Mabini monuments, the tomb of late city mayor Eusebius Julius Halsema; and the busts of Lyman Kennon, George Malcolm, and Daniel Burnham.
The annual search for Lucky Summer Visitors of Baguio of the city in partnership with the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters’ Club is also on hold for the second year.
Rivera said the city is also preparing for the increase of tourists who are planning to spend the Holy Week starting April 1 in Baguio and who have and are expected to register via the Baguio Visita online registration platform.
As of March 16, a total of 2,900 individuals have applied to register their visit at the Baguio Visita for April 1; 578 applicants for April 2, and 373 for April 3.
He added tourist registrants increased during the recent weekends due to the easing of travel protocols, with the highest last March 13 and 14 at 6,420, but the same decreases on weekdays.
Rivera has assured the city will put in place limits to control the entry of visitors as per local and national Covid-19 prevention protocols. – Hanna C. Lacsamana
April 25, 2024
