Palace hails El Salvador’s tourism opening to improve their economy

PRESIDENTIAL Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar on Saturday attributed El Salvador City’ improved activities of people traveling  and staying in places outside to the city.

He even said the City Government is ready to boost activities by reopening its tourism.

"Habang nag-iingat sa banta ng COVID-19 handa na muling buksan ang syudad para sa gradual reopening ng tourism gaya ng Divine Mercy Shrine," Andanar said.

With Cabinet Officer for Regional Development and Security (CORDS)-X Andanar lauded the City Government for taking an initiative to aid their economy.

With the Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ) declaration in the area, El Salvador City Mayor Edgar Lignes said in an interview with Andanar that about 50 percent of the 3,000 capacity of Divine Mercy Shrine can now be accommodated even those visitors from other places.

Many people visit the shrine claiming that it is a miraculous place and in order to protect the pilgrims, the LGU tapped the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) to safeguard the area.

Aside from the Divine Mercy Shrine, it also boasts its 32 hectare Burias Shoal, which is only a 10-15 minute pump boat ride from the shore.

“Swimming, snorkeling and research can be done in the area,” said Lignes adding that it also has a protected area for sea shells.

As for the business operations, the 19 bottling plants and manufacturers never stopped their production, according to Lignes.

He said the firms even increased their production amid the pandemic. Thus, the local income has not been greatly affected.To further boost economic activities in the city, Lignes called on the national government if it can aid in the city's infrastructure projects like a boulevard and water system to prepare the coming of investors.

Laging Handa Network Briefing News is a daily program initiated by the PCOO, aired in various radio and TV stations, and its digital platforms to provide nationwide updates on COVID-19 response of LGUs and national line agencies. (Recthie Tolinero/PIA10)