Islands in Southern Luzon temporarily closed to visitors

CALAGUAS CHILL Nature lovers are drawn to Calaguas Islands in Camarines Norte province for the charm offered by its beaches and clear waters. This tourist destination, however, will be temporarily closed to visitors as a precautionary measure against the spread of the coronavirus. —MARIA ANA ELIZABETH GUAZON/CONTRIBUTOR

Some islands considered as tourist draws in Southern Luzon were temporarily closed to visitors as precautionary measure against the spread of the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The marine biodiversity-rich Verde Island in Batangas City imposed the ban on tourism activities, sealing off the island from local and foreign visitors.The ban was initiated by the island’s barangay officials to prevent the entry of COVID-19 carriers.

Asked how this may affect the city’s income from tourism especially with the peak months approaching, Reginald Dimacuha, city administrator, said: “[T]heir [island’s] primordial concern right now is safety. I think it’s just that for now.”

However, travel restrictions will not be imposed on residents of Verde Island, which lies between mainland Luzon and Mindoro. The island town is composed of the villages of Liponpon, San Agapito, San Agustin East, San Agustin West, San Andres and San Antonio, all under Batangas City.

No ‘lockout’

Jomalig town in Quezon province has also temporarily closed its pristine beaches since Wednesday, to “prevent serious disruptions of the functioning of the government and the community due to possible human-to-human transmission of the virus,” said Vice Mayor Dahlia Manalo.

But Mayor Rodel Espiritu said there was no lockdown of the island town. “What we’re temporarily prohibiting is the coming in of local and foreign tourists only,” he said.

“We’re all willing to sacrifice the money that we all expect to earn this coming vacation, to protect the safety and health of our people,” he added.

Jomalig is at the southeastern part of the Polillo island group in northern Quezon facing the Pacific Ocean. It is the smallest and farthest island town of the province and can be reached by four to six hours boat ride from the port of Real town.

Calaguas closure

Calaguas Island in Camarines Norte province is also closed to tourists starting March 12 until March 25. Vinzons Mayor Eleanor Segundo said a team had recommended the closure of the group of islands famous for white sand beaches and clear water.

In Mauban town in Quezon, resort owners in Cagbalete facing Lamon Bay protested the two-week closure of their island.

Teodoro Cruz, president of Cagbalete Resorts Association Inc., said there was no basis for the closure as the province had not recorded any COVID-19 case.

He said town officials should also consider the welfare of boatmen, tricycle drivers, eateries and store owners on the island who depend on tourists for their livelihood. —REPORTS FROM DELFIN T. MALLARI JR., MARICAR CINCO AND REY ANTHONY OSTRIA