All tourism sites and facilities in Almeria, Biliran will be closed for a month due to new coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases.
In Executive Order No. 15, Series of 2021 signed by Almeria Mayor Richard Jaguros, the closure takes effect from April 26 to May 26, 2021.
“All tourism sites who have acquired license to operate will be closed temporarily for the said period due to the prevalence of COVID-19 cases in the municipality,” Jaguros said.
“All hotels and accommodation establishments are temporarily closed.”
“All hotels and accommodation establishments are temporarily closed, including its ancillary establishments within their premises such as restaurants, cafes, gyms, spas, function hall, and the like,” the order read.
However, take-out orders offered like food and non-alcoholic drinks are still allowed.
Almeria is about 24 kilometers away from Naval town, the provincial capital of Biliran, and 124 kilometers northwest of Tacloban City, the regional capital.
The town is known for waterfalls located in Sampao and Caucab villages.
Ulan-Ulan is the most famous waterfall in Almeria because of the mists created by falling water that resemble rain.
The 90-feet Ulan-Ulan waterfall is the most famous because of the mists created by falling water that resemble rain.
During the opening of Sambawan Island Beach Resort recently, the provincial tourism office included Ulan-Ulan Falls as part of the tour package for tourists visiting the prime island destination of the province.
Aside from waterfalls, other tourist attractions in the town are the rice terraces in Sampao and Iyusan villages.
Two islets, the Capinahan, and Dalutan are also found in the town known for white-sand beaches and clear water ideal not only for swimming but also for snorkeling and diving.
Aside from the temporary closure of tourist destinations, the order also prohibits the operation of cockpits except for the online sabong (cockfighting) that are licensed and regulated by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation.
As of April 26, Almeria town has 72 confirmed COVID-19 cases, including 50 recoveries and one death.