The Department of Tourism has lauded Baguio’s efforts to recover from the pandemic through its implementation of health and safety protocols.
Tourism Sec. Bernadette Romulo-Puyat, keynote speaker of the 112th Baguio Charter Day anniversary, cited the city for being a provider of the most innovative and safe ways during the pandemic.
“While the world continues to battle with the Covid-19 pandemic, we find a spark of hope and inspiration in places that continue to honor history, culture and tradition through the most innovative and safe ways. Since the onset of the pandemic, Baguio City has always been a provider of that hope and inspiration with its effective implementation of health and safety protocols, as well as rigid visitor and resident management that allowed for its opening ahead of other destinations in the country,” Puyat said.
She added the city has continuously launched programs and projects that aimed to improve the structures of the city and the life of its people.
Puyat was the first visitor of the city to use the pioneering Baguio Visita online registration platform last year when Baguio became among the first places in the country to reopen to tourists.
She was also the city’s honored guest during last year’s city charter day.
This year, Puyat again made history by eyeing to vaccinate 100 percent of Baguio’s tourism workers as she led the ceremonial vaccination of 4,000 tourism workers at the Baguio Country Club in coordination with DOT-Cordillera, Hotel and Restaurant Association of Baguio, Baguio Tourism Council, and volunteers.
Puyat said the vaccination of tourism workers is important because their safety is as important as ensuring the safety of tourists.
“With the increased confidence of people to travel, we hope to sustain the gradual growth of tourism that was started so that everybody could go back to work and continue to working, instead of having to contend with the rise or decrease (of Covid-19 cases) or open-close (tourist industry or borders). That is why vaccination is very important,” she said.
Puyat said the city could trust the DOT is one with Baguio in its pursuit for a new and better normal.
Aside from the recent structural developments, she also congratulated the organizers, participants, and other stakeholders for coming up with events such as the Charter Day celebration and for promoting creativity, culture, wellness, and nature, which she said are a great opportunity for the people to showcase their knowledge, talent, and beauty through the prepared activities.
“Let’s move forward as one and continue creating innovative solutions that would transcend our current challenges,”Puyat said. – Hanna C. Lacsamana
April 27, 2024
