Museo de Legazpi opens doors to tourists

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY --- The city government here on Wednesday announced the reopening of Museo de Legazpi to all tourists.

Carlito Perez, Museo de Legazpi curator, in a phone interview said tight restrictions will still be imposed following the standard health protocols such as wearing of face mask and face shield.

“For safety of our visitors, we will impose 20 persons per group with corresponding waiting area for the next batch. Limitation will be imposed with strict health and safety protocols. Social distancing, body temperature will still be checked,” Perez said.

The Museo de Legazpi, according to him, will come up with new exhibits at the end of each month.

He said visitors from outside Bicol region must register at the Legazpi City Convention Center upon arrival and will be given a “tourism passport”, which is a booklet that will serve as their guide in going around this capital city of Albay.

“We at the Museo de Legazpi are eager to welcome back our tourist. Please follow our guidelines as well as general health protocols to ensure that we are all safe,” Perez said, adding that they would appreciate advanced booking by visitors.

Museo de Legazpi which showcases various items depicting the history, arts and culture of the city, is now open for tourists 16-60 years old, from Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Meanwhile, Isabel Reynoso, Junior Chamber International (JCI)-Daraga chapter director who is in charge of the “ tourism passport” project, said in a separate interview the booklet will give tourists a preview of the natural, cultural and gastronomical treats offered by Legazpi “from riding an ATV (all-terrain vehicle) up to the lava slope of Mayon or seeing the scenic Legazpi Boulevard or trying our hot spicy ice cream”.

She added that a unique part of the “passport” is the Rediscover Legazpi Challenge, wherein a tourist may win prizes after visiting at least five attractions within the city.