Bataan launches tour packages to court tourists

BALANGA CITY, Bataan — The provincial government is mulling lifting Covid-19 restrictions as it launched several tour packages to attract tourists and those planning to visit Bataan.

Gov. Joet Garcia had earlier asked the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (provincial board) to repeal at least six ordinances passed in 2020 during the height of the Covid-19 onslaught.

Garcia explained that with the improved situation, several measures have been issued relaxing health and safety protocols and requirements, resulting in immediate positive impacts.

Repealed ordinances were the liquor ban, gambling during the period of quarantine, wearing of masks in public places, physical and social distancing, mandatory quarantine, and regulating the movement of unvaccinated individuals.

For his part, Board Member Jorge Estanislao, chair of the provincial board committee on health, said once an ordinance is repealed "it could no longer be enforced because it is already obsolete and useless."

Travel and Behold Bataan Tour Packages were conceived in partnership with local tour operators, municipal and city governments, and other stakeholders.

Provincial Tourism Officer Alicia Pizarro shared that the inspiration for this project came from their benchmarking activity in Bali, Indonesia.

"During our benchmarking activity, we have observed that we can do better, particularly in valuing our culture because this defines who we are, what we have, our roots and history. We hope that through the packages we developed, it is the beginning of how we are going to promote and give a glimpse of what Bataan has to offer," Pizarro said.

The four packages are World War II Circuit, Faith Tourism, Funtastic Farm and Adventure Tour and Culture and Crafts Tour.