Tuguegarao City – The Department of Tourism Region 2, provided assistance to 12 tourists who were stranded in Batanes to get to La Union via the BRP Magat Salamat of the Philippine Navy last March 31. The said tourists were slated to fly from Clark Airport last March 18 but were stranded in Batanes due to the Enhanced Community Quarantine of Luzon Island.
The Provincial Health Office of Batanes cleared the tourists of COVID-19 and even issued a “Certification of Non-Persons Under Monitoring” upon leaving the island. Until today the health office confirmed that Batanes is still clear of COVID-19.
During their stay, the Local Government Unit of Batanes supported the stranded tourists by giving free board and lodging while DOT Region 2 coordinated with local chief executives for the smooth transfer of the twelve. These tourists are said to be from Manila (2), Baguio (3), Mandaluyong (1), Naic (3), Silang (1), and Kawit (1) in Cavite province and one (1) from Umingan, Pangasinan.
The BRP Magat Salamat is expected to arrive today at Soiltech Pier, Catbangen, City of San Fernando, La Union. The operations executed by DOT is in line with the mandate of their department “in ensuring the protection and promotion of the general well-being of the Filipino people and to promote the whole country as a safe and wholesome tourist destination.”
(Source: Info and Photos from DOT Region 2 Press Release)
