Bacolod City – The entry of tourists, or leisure visitors, to the Hermit Mountain, a popular tourist destination in Brgy. Biao, Binalbagan, Negros Occidental, is now being regulated by the concerned local government unit.
In Executive Order Number 5 issued by Mayor Alejandro Mirasol, he said that only 300 tourists or leisure visitors, at any given time, will be allowed to enter the Hermit and Trese in Sitio Bulwang, Brgy. Biao, Binalbagan, to ensure their safety.
In previous weeks, thousands of tourists flocked to the Hermit Mountain in the barangay, resulting in massive traffic jams.
Mirasol was also disgusted by the trash left behind and scattered everywhere by the visitors at the site.
With the completion of its concrete road, the Hermit Mountain became a favorite destination of tourists from other areas of Negros Occidental, especially bikers and hikers, due to the breathtaking scenic views it offers, which has been likened to Baguio City.
“We encourage everyone to please abide with the rules and guidelines ordered by the local government unit and the barangay especially rules with regards to garbage. Reminder that Hermit is under PROTECTIVE LAND USE ACT, violators will be sanctioned under this law,” Mirasol said.
As stipulated in the EO, the first 300 tourists, or visitors who have registered at the Municipal Tourism Office shall be submitted to the Barangay for checking at the entrance area.
It added that “all tourists, leisure visitors and all visitors for any purposes of Hermit and Trese in Sitio Bulwang, Barangay Biao shall register at least a day before the travel at the Municipal Tourism Office.
The EO further states that the registration shall be free of charge.
It also said that registration could be done by face to face transaction at the Municipal Tourism Office.
Registration is Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. only. It further stressed that the “No Registration, No Entry” will be strictly implemented. (Gilbert Bayoran via The Visayan Daily Star (TVDS), photo courtesy of TVDS)