If you're like almost everyone else stuck at home for nearly six months and counting, you might be looking for an escape to nature without compromising your family's safety. This might be an option.
Remember Tagaytay? The family favorite not-so-far-from-the-city pasyalan that offers a cool breeze? It's now open for tourists.
"'Yung mga gustong pumunta sa Tagaytay ay hindi natin puwedeng mapigilan, welcome sila sa atin pero kailangan nilang sumunod sa minimum public health standard," said City Administrator Gregorio Monreal in an interview with News TV on GMA's radio DZBB.
You don't need a travel pass to go to Tagaytay
Metro Manila is under general community quarantine (GCQ), while Tagaytay City is currently under modified general community quarantine (MGCQ).
Under GCQ and MGCQ, if one wishes to travel between provinces or regions, say Metro Manila to Cavite, they must secure a travel pass from their respective LGUs. To secure a travel pass, the applicant only needs a certification from their barangay and a medical clearance certificate from the city or municipal health office.
However, Monreal says tourists will not be required to present a travel pass when entering the city. They only have to fill out health declaration forms.
What you need to know about visiting Tagaytay
According to the guidelines released by Tagaytay City Mayor Agnes Tolentino on Sept. 1, hotels and restaurants can accept clients and customers up to 50% of their capacity.
They are allowed to operate so long as they adhere to the health standards and protocols to protect their employees and guests. These include proper wearing of face masks and face shields and signing health declaration forms upon entry for easier contact tracing.
Also included in the guidelines is a restriction for all persons below age 21 and above age 60, individuals with immunodeficiencies, co-morbidities, or other health risks, including pregnant women, are required to remain home "except for obtaining essential goods and services."
It means that if you're pregnant or planning to bring the kids to eat at a restaurant in Tagaytay, they may not accommodate you. Going for a drive-thru or bringing meals with you and eating your meal in a spot with a view is still possible.
If you're taking a private vehicle, you will be allowed to travel to and from Tagaytay, provided that physical distancing is observed inside the car. As of the moment, discussions on local buses are still to be decided since local buses are still not allowed to resume operations.
