By J. Jala | 08:49 PM July 27, 2020
President Rodrigo Duterte called on Filipinos to visit local destinations to boost economy amid the pandemic.
“We enjoin our people to boost the economy by travelling locally,” Duterte said in his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday.
“[Travel] local na lang…once the necessary systems are in place,” Duterte added.
Duterte then said that the tourism industry can count on the full support of the national government “to put the fun back in local travels.”
“National government agencies and local government units should harmonize their policies to boost tourism and ensure everyone’s well-being,” Duterte added.
Duterte said. “Boracay is doing well.”
In Bohol, the local government of Panglao re-opened four of its tourism industries under the new normal last June 21, 2020 as the province continues to manage the local COVID-19 crisis .
The four different sectors of the tourism industry such as accommodation establishments, land and water tourism transport, dine-in restaurants, and tourism-related activities were gradually opened.
Bohol tourism has been greatly affected by the pandemic that resulted in work stoppages, followed by thousands losing their jobs.
Earlier, Bohol Governor Arthur Yap said Panglao tourism lost an estimated P1.014 billion in total accommodation revenue in three to four months since February because of Covid-19.
