DOT reopens 2 historic sites in Intramuros

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Tourism (DOT) will reopen today two historic attractions in Intramuros in an effort to restart travel activities in Metro Manila.

Fort Santiago and Baluarte de San Diego will resume operations after the Walled City was shut down to tourists for almost two months.

Fort Santiago can accommodate up to 200 visitors at a time. Baluarte de San Diego can accommodate up to 100 people in compliance with the 30 percent capacity limit imposed by the government.

Last week, President Duterte downgraded Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna and Rizal to general community quarantine with heightened restrictions.

Outdoor activities may now resume in the National Capital Region with the minimum health standards in place.

“The reopening of Fort Santiago and Baluarte de San Diego will allow visitors to again experience the world’s leading tourist attractions as recognized by the prestigious World Tourism Awards,” Tourism Secretary Bernadette Romulo-Puyat said.

According to the Intramuros Administration, Fort Santiago can receive guests daily from 9 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Baluarte de San Diego welcomes visitors from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Only tourists aged 18 to 65 will be allowed to enter the Intramuros sites.

The Dungeons, Museo ni Rizal and ASEAN Gardens will remain closed.

Based on DOT records, an estimated 3.3 million visitors toured the Walled City before the pandemic in 2019.