By Leilanie G. Adriano (Staff Reporter)
LAOAG CITY–Closed for more than two weeks, Ilocos Norte’s smallest town composed of one barangay is now accepting local tourists—but only from this province.
Home to over 2,000 peace-loving indigenous peoples, waterfalls and hanging bridges, the town of Adams temporary suspended the entry of visitors from August 10-25, 2020 following the surge of coronavirus infections in the province. Executive Order No. 28-2020 which Adams mayor Rosalia Dupagen signed barred the entry of non-residents, re-echoing Ilocos Norte Governor Matthew Joseph M. Manotoc’s directive to cooperate with authorities and help contain the spread of the virus.
“Adams is now open to tourism activities,” said municipal tourism officer Anavic Medrano on August 27, 2020, delighting netizens who want to visit Adams town, known for its local fruit wines and scenic destinations.
Ms. Medrano, however clarified that only Ilocos Norte residents can visit Adams until further notice.
By September, other tourism destinations in various parts of the province may open but visitors are required to register online and declare their itineraries during their stay in the province.
Aside from applying for a certificate of authority to operate from the Department of Tourism, the Ilocos Norte provincial government also requires business tourism establishments to secure a separate permit to operate to ensure that said establishments are ready and have the necessary health protocols.
"Don't wait for us to inspect before putting necessary sanitation signages and safety items,” Evangeline Dadat, DOT Region I supervising tourism officer said as DOT personnel continue to inspect accommodation facilities in the Ilocos Region if they are now ready to accept tourists under the new normal.