Palawan reopens to tourists

Palawan has reopened to tourists, but some areas are allowing only local guests for the meantime.

According to Ian Cruz’s live report on “24 Oras” Friday, visitors are again welcome in Palawan as long as they are vaccinated.

However, some areas, like, Puerto Princesa City, allows only local tourists for now.

The report said the Unesco world heritage site Puerto Princesa Underground River or Subterranean River National Park used to have up to 1,200 visitors before the pandemic.

However, in case it reopens on Dec. 1, only 700 guests will be allowed to enter.

Park superintendent Elizabeth Maclang said the reopening would be gradual, starting with Palawenos.

According to the city government, while they are already in general community quarantine, they are not yet fully ready to reopen to tourists from other areas.

“As of now, talagang puno ’yung aming mga hospitals. Kailangan naming proteksyonan ’yung healthcare system,” said Mayor Lucilo Bayron.

It’s also why stringent measures are applied to those who are entering Puerto Princesa, especially those coming from Metro Manila.

El Nido and San Vicente towns, meanwhile, are already open to tourists. – RC, GMA News