Baler welcomes tourists

After more than a year of lockdowns, tourists are again welcome to visit Baler in Aurora province.

As reported by JP Soriano live from the resort town on “24 Oras” Friday, Baler has been opened formally to tourists since Wednesday.

Although the municipality is still under alert level 4, guests may enter as long as they are registered on the S-Pass website, have a negative RT-PCR test taken within 72 hours, valid ID, and confirmed pre-booking at a hotel or resort accredited by the Department of Tourism.

One of the first tourists in Baler, Kevin, said that despite the requirements and the long trip, it was all worth it.

“Worth it naman ’yung byahe, tsaka ’yung hassle din, napakaganda ng view,” he said.

Baler, which is known for its beaches, is said to be the birthplace of Philippine surfing.

However, many surfing instructors and other tourism workers had to take other jobs when the town closed to visitors, such as Ryan who became a construction worker.

Now, they are all fully vaccinated and excited to see tourists again.

Meanwhile, resort owners and the local government have been asking the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases to ease restrictions.

“Sana mapaluwag na ’yung requirements para mas maraming pumunta dito sa Baler, Aurora,” said Ram Bustamante of Bay’s Inn Resort.

Looser travel restrictions for Baler tourists are expected to be announced on Monday. – RC, GMA News