Guidelines & Protocols for the Operation of Tours, Ecotourism Activities & Visits in Protected Areas (PA) under the New Normal in Region 8​

Rationale and Objectives:

    In support to the Health and Safety Manual Governing the Operation of Tourism Sites and Activities under the New Normal in Region 8 prepared by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 8 has come up with General Guidelines and Protocols for the Operation of Tours, Ecotourism Activities and Visits in Protected Areas (PAs) under the New Normal for integration to the Manual.

    Lake Danao Natural Park (LDNP) in Ormoc City is one of the seven (7) legislated protected areas in Region 8.   Each protected area is mandated to come up with site specific guidelines and protocols to serve as guide by the Protected Area Management Board, Protected Area Superintendent (PASu), Tourism Destination Management, Tour Operators/Service Providers and Visitor/s governing the operation of tours, ecotourism activities   and visits to Lake Danao Natural Park (LDNP) under the New Normal.

General Guidelines

  1. Online Pre-Booking/Reservation Policy will be implemented. Inquiries and reservations can be done via official mobile phone or online thru official email add and official FB page of the LDNP on Areas and Facilities intended to be visited or rented respectively thru the PASu and official LDNP representative.
  2. All LDNP Visitors & guests are required to secure Visitor’s Entry Permit from the PASu office prior to the visit. Permit can be secured online from the LDNP Office thru the PASu.  Form to be posted at official LDNP websites & Official LDNP FB page.
  3. LDNP shall be opened to the public starting the date approved by its PAMB and subject to approve guidelines by the IATF on the community quarantine status in the locality.
    (Note: The Park hours shall be from 7:00am to 4:00pm daily. Park Rest week shall be in August the 2nd week of August.)
  4. All LDNP Visitors and guests are required to present the approved confirmed on-line booking at the entrance booth.
    *Visitors below 21 yrs. old and those who are 60 yrs. old and above shall not be allowed to enter the LDNP. (IATF Omnibus Guidelines & General Quarantine Item No. 3. Or until otherwise lifted by the IATF, RIATF, or the City LCE of Ormoc City.
  5. The new Carrying Capacity limit of Seventy-Five (75) persons at a time per day shall be strictly observed at the LDNP.
    (Consistent with the intent of IATF Omnibus Guidelines, the PA can accommodate half of the average no. of visitors per day.)
  6. All LDNP Visitors and guests shall submit to Temperature check at the Entrance Booth. Park Visitors and guests with temperature reading of 37.5 °C and above shall not be allowed to enter LDNP.
  7. All vehicles are required to park at the designated parking areas.
  8. All LDNP Visitors & guests are required to observe the following Health and Safety Protocols:
    1. Wearing of mask at all times.
    2. No mask, no entry.
    3. Practice physical distancing (at least 1 meter apart).
    4. Regular washing and sanitizing of hands (Alcohol dispensers are available at the entrance booth).
    5. Bring back their own trash (trash bag shall be provided).
    6. No bringing/drinking of alcoholic drinks.
    7. Strictly no smoking.
      *per city ordinance
  9. All LDNP facilities open for use or rental (ex. Kiosks, floating rafts, camping station, etc.) shall observe the maximum of 50 percent allowed visitors per facility except for safe family bubbles.
    Wearing of masks & physical distancing shall still be observed even while inside a LDNP facility.
  10. All LDNP Visitors and guests are requested to bring their own food or access take-out/food delivery service and to use eco-friendly packaging of food.  A drop-off and pick-up point shall be designated at the activity area.
  11. Companies/networks/professional filming who will be conducting commercial filming shall be required to send a request letter in advance stating the schedule and the number of people involved in the filming activity. The request may be sent online to PASu.
  12. Only DENR/DOT/PAMB Accredited Tour Operators/Service Providers shall be allowed to operate the facilities inside PA.
  13. LDNP personnel & employees shall be subject to rapid testing per IATF Health & Safety Guidelines.

Reference:

Per IATF Omnibus guidelines on GCQ item # 12, “Mass gatherings such as but not limited to, moving screenings, concerts, sporting events, and other entertainment activities, community assemblies, and non-essential work gathering shall be prohibited. Gatherings that are for the provision of critical government services and authorized humanitarian activities while adhering to the prescribed minimum health standards shall be allowed. Religious gatherings shall be limited to not more than ten (10) persons…”

Reference:

IATF Omnibus Guidelines on General Community Quarantine item 3. “Any person below 21 years old, those who are 60 years old and above, those with immunodeficiency, comorbidities, or other health risks, and pregnant women shall be required to remain in their residences at all times, except for obtaining goods and services or for work in permitted industries and offices”